Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-04

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 whole procedure of recycling plastic bottles to produce variety of end products.

Used bottles made up of plastic, after collection and transportation to a designated recycling centre undergo sorting, compression into blocks, crushing, washing and then raw material is obtained after heating the plastic pellets.

At the first step, plastic bottles are collected from containers at different places and then they are taken to a recycling place. Then, sorting of the bottles is done to group them into two categories of recyclable and unrecyclable bottles. The recyclable ones are compressed to form a block. The block undergoes crushing to produce smaller pieces, which are washed in a vessel of water. Clean plastic pieces are then fed to a machine to receive pellets of plastic and then the pellets are heated in order to attain the raw material. The raw material is now used to produce different types of new end products like bags, clothes, new bottles and many more.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of end products. You have clearly identified the main features of the diagram and presented them in a logical sequence. The overview provided in the first paragraph is effective, though it could be slightly more detailed by mentioning the cyclical nature of the process. You have avoided unnecessary repetition and focused on the key steps, which demonstrates a good understanding of the task requirements. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly highlight the transition between the raw material phase and the final manufacturing stage with more precise terminology.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial collection phase to the final output. The use of cohesive devices such as 'At the first step,' 'Then,' and 'The recyclable ones' helps the reader follow the process easily. However, the paragraphing is slightly unbalanced; the second paragraph is very short and could have been integrated into the main body or expanded. Additionally, some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring more balanced paragraph structure would enhance the overall flow and coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'designated recycling centre,' 'compressed,' and 'raw material.' There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'produce variety of end products' (missing an article) and 'receive pellets' (which is slightly unnatural in this context). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Incorporating more precise technical collocations related to industrial processes would demonstrate a stronger command of lexical resources.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'Used bottles made up of plastic' (which is a fragment) and 'produce variety of' (missing 'a'). You have used passive voice appropriately for a process description, which is a strength. However, to improve, you should focus on article usage and sentence construction to ensure that complex sentences are error-free. The current level of accuracy is sufficient for communication but contains enough errors to prevent a higher score.

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

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