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 to 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 the subsequent stage, plastic 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. Finally, 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 creation. The overview is clear, identifying the total number of stages and the beginning and end points of the process. The information is logically presented, and the main features are highlighted. However, to reach a higher band, the response could benefit from more explicit comparisons or a more detailed description of the transformation stages, such as the specific role of the 'machine' mentioned in the final paragraph. Overall, the response is accurate and fulfills the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, a body paragraph detailing the process, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning', 'Next', 'In the subsequent stage', and 'Finally' helps to guide the reader through the sequence of events effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the procedural details. The flow of information is logical and easy to follow, demonstrating a clear progression throughout the text. The referencing is consistent, and the logical structure is maintained from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally accurate and appropriate for the task. Terms such as 'disposal', 'recycling plant', 'compressor', and 'raw material' are used correctly in context. While the range is sufficient to convey the process clearly, it is somewhat functional. To achieve a higher score, the student could incorporate more sophisticated or precise vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'shredded', 'granulated', or 'extruded'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, and the language is used with a good level of control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. Examples of complex structures include 'the machine, which converts the shattered pieces of plastic into pellets'. While the grammar is generally accurate, the range of structures is somewhat limited; incorporating more varied sentence types, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the plastic is then washed'), would enhance the quality of the writing. There are no major grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the message.

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