Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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, palstic fragments are then washed and transferred to a machine, which converts the shattered 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 covers all stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final product. You have provided a clear overview and followed the logical sequence of the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure you make more explicit comparisons or highlight key features, such as the transformation from waste to raw material. While the summary is accurate, it could be improved by grouping the stages more effectively into distinct phases (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing) rather than listing them sequentially. Overall, the task is addressed well, and the main features are clearly reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the process chronologically. You use cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning', 'Next', 'In addition', and 'Moreover' to guide the reader through the stages. However, the transition between some sentences feels slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the progression between the processing stages is more fluid. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed description, which helps the reader follow the information easily.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'deposit', 'recycling plant', 'compressor', and 'raw material' correctly. There is a minor spelling error ('palstic' instead of 'plastic') and a slight repetition of the word 'process'. To achieve a higher score, aim to incorporate more precise, less common vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'shredded', 'granulated', or 'reprocessed'. The current vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. You have successfully used passive voice constructions, which are appropriate for describing a process (e.g., 'bottles are recycled', 'fragments are then washed'). To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or participial phrases to combine steps, which would demonstrate greater control over grammatical range.

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

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