Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-07

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 delineates the stages involved in recycling bottles made of plastics.

Overall, the process comprises of nine distinct stages, commencing with collecting, segregating and mechanical processes which included several equipment. The raw materials produced by the end of the process are used to make final products.

Initially, wastes including plastic bottles are thrown into the dustbins which are accumulated by a lorry, followed by a recycling centre. At this stage, plastic bottles are sorted in the recycling centre manually. The segregated bottles which can be recycled, subsequently compressed into blocks. The huge blocks are passed through a crushing machine, converting the block into small particles prior to washing in a tank. The resultant product is then fed into a machine where fine plastic pellets are formed. These plastic pellets undergo a heating process to produce raw material. At the end of the process, the raw materials are used to manufacture final products.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the manufacturing of final products. The overview is clear and identifies the main features of the process. However, the description of the stages is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more sophisticated synthesis of the information. While the key steps are identified, the response could be improved by grouping stages more effectively to show the flow of the process rather than just listing them sequentially. Overall, it addresses the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and a body paragraph detailing the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'At this stage', 'subsequently', and 'At the end of the process' helps guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed description. The flow of information is smooth, and the progression of the process is easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a coherent response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, using terms like 'delineates', 'segregating', 'compressed', and 'particles'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'comprises of' (which should be 'comprises' or 'is composed of') and 'equipment' (which is uncountable and should be 'pieces of equipment'). Despite these minor inaccuracies, the range of vocabulary is sufficient to describe the process clearly and accurately, demonstrating a good level of control over the subject matter.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'process comprises of' and 'which included several equipment', where the pluralization of an uncountable noun is incorrect. Additionally, 'followed by a recycling centre' is slightly awkward; it would be better phrased as 'followed by transport to a recycling centre'. However, these errors do not impede communication. The control of punctuation and sentence structure is generally good, and the meaning remains clear throughout the text.

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

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