Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-06
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 given diagram illustrates the process how plastic bottles went through recycled process and making of useable products. Entire procedure done by workers and machinery to produce a final products for use of pupils.
Overall, the process go through 9 steps which start from collecting the bottles from bin afterward, delivered to recycling centre by truck. Further process of compressing the bottles, crushing, production of pellets, raw material and final stage is making human useable products.
Initially, plastic bottles are collected by a person from bins and stored into the truck then truck move to recycling centre for the sorting of bottles this procedure again done by human being. Once sorting done compressing of bottles into big blocks will start and these blocks crushed through machines for washing of material.
Plastic pellets production start after washing moving further pellets converted to raw material using heat which help to produce final products for the use of inhabitants like t-shirts, pencils, carry bag and tiffin.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of final goods. However, the overview is somewhat weak; it lists the number of steps rather than highlighting the key transformation stages. While the main features are identified, the description of the process is occasionally repetitive, such as mentioning 'human being' and 'machinery' multiple times without adding depth. To improve, ensure the overview synthesizes the process more effectively by grouping related stages, such as the collection/sorting phase and the manufacturing phase, rather than simply listing steps in a chronological sequence.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive. For example, the transition 'Further process of...' and 'Once sorting done...' feels slightly disjointed. The flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to show the relationship between the stages more clearly. Paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the paragraphs could be more cohesive to ensure a smoother progression of ideas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the reader to understand the process. However, there is a lack of precision and variety. Phrases like 'making of useable products' and 'human useable products' are repetitive and slightly unnatural. The student relies on basic terminology and misses opportunities to use more precise process-related vocabulary such as 'shredded', 'processed', 'transformed', or 'manufactured'. To reach a higher band, the student should focus on using more specific collocations and avoiding the repetition of simple words like 'done' and 'making'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Issues include missing articles ('to recycling centre'), incorrect verb forms ('process how plastic bottles went through recycled process'), and awkward phrasing ('Entire procedure done by workers'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. To improve, the student should focus on subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and ensuring that passive voice constructions are grammatically accurate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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