Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-03

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows the process for recycling plastic bottles.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

How plastic bottles are recycled

Student answer (Band 6.0)

The diagram illustrates the step-by-step process for recycling plastic bottles.

Overall, the whole process consists of nine stages. The process begins with the disposal of used bottles in a recycling bin and ends with the production of new products from recycled plastic.

At the beginning of the process, people dump the waste bottles into the bin, and then the waste management vehicle takes the bottles and moves the bottles into the recycling plant. Next, in the recycling plant, workers sort the bottles according to condition and quality. The compressor then shapes the bottles into blocks by compressing. Compressed plastic moves through a crusher to convert it into tiny pieces.

In addition, tiny pieces of plastic are then washed and transferred to a machine, which converts the tiny pieces of plastic into pellets. Moreover, the pellets are heated to shape raw material for products. In the end, raw materials are converted into useful products like bottles, shirts, and other items.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the recycling process and provides a clear overview. You have covered all parts of the task, from the initial collection to the final production of new items. The information is logically selected and reported. To reach a higher band, ensure you include more specific details from the diagram, such as the mention of the 'sorting' criteria or the specific temperature/process involved in heating the pellets. While the summary is accurate, adding a bit more depth to the description of the transformation stages would strengthen the response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the sequence of the process. You use cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning', 'Next', 'In addition', and 'In the end' to guide the reader through the stages. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical. Some transitions feel a bit repetitive, and the paragraphing could be more sophisticated by grouping the collection/sorting stages separately from the manufacturing/transformation stages. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'disposal', 'recycling plant', 'compressor', and 'raw material' appropriately. The language is generally precise enough to convey the process clearly. To improve, try to incorporate more varied and less common vocabulary to describe the mechanical actions, such as 'compacted' instead of 'shapes... by compressing' or 'processed' instead of 'transferred'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, but the vocabulary remains somewhat functional rather than sophisticated.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede meaning. For example, 'The compressor then shapes the bottles into blocks by compressing' is clear, though slightly wordy. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'The bottles are then transported to the plant') or relative clauses to combine ideas more fluidly. Your current control of basic grammar is solid.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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