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 transports them 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 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the creation of new products. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence logically. To reach a higher band, ensure you make more explicit comparisons or highlight key features more prominently. For instance, you could mention the transformation of the physical state of the plastic (from bottles to blocks, then pieces, then pellets) as a significant feature of the process. Overall, the task is well-addressed and the information is accurate based on the provided diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding stage. You use transition signals such as 'At the beginning', 'Next', 'In addition', and 'Moreover' to guide the reader through the process. While the flow is generally smooth, some of the linking devices are slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices and ensure that the transition between the sorting stage and the compression stage is more fluid. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the recycling cycle.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'deposit', 'transports', 'compressor', and 'raw material' correctly. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the frequent use of 'tiny pieces of plastic'. To achieve a higher band, you should aim for more precise and varied terminology, such as 'shredded plastic' or 'plastic fragments'. While your word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication, it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for the higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most of your sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is used correctly. There are no major errors that hinder understanding. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the plastic is then shredded' instead of 'the plastic moves through a crusher') to better suit the formal tone of a process description. The current control of grammar is solid and consistent.

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.