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 deposit 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 compression. 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, from collection to the production of new items. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the nine-stage process. However, the report could be improved by making more explicit comparisons or highlighting the transformation between stages more effectively. While all key steps are mentioned, the description remains somewhat descriptive rather than analytical. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the stages is more clearly articulated, perhaps by grouping the mechanical and chemical phases more distinctly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a summary paragraph, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning', 'Next', 'In addition', and 'Moreover' are used to guide the reader through the stages. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. The flow is generally smooth, but the connection between the final stages could be tightened to improve the overall progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'deposit', 'compressor', 'crusher', and 'pellets' used correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a tendency to repeat words like 'process', 'bottles', and 'tiny pieces'. To improve, you should aim for more varied synonyms and more precise collocations. For example, instead of repeating 'tiny pieces', you could use 'fragments' or 'shredded plastic'. The current vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a good control of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. However, the range of structures is somewhat restricted; most sentences follow a similar pattern. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex sentence forms, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'The plastic is then shredded...') or participial phrases to link ideas more fluidly.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.