Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 provided picture depicts the recycling process of plastic bottles. Overall, the recycling process consists of 9 main stages which starts from plastic bottles collection from dustbins and ends with the production of items used on daily basis.

In the first stage, the used plastic bottles are collected in garbage bins, followed by the transport of garbage and plastic bottles by vehicles to the recycling center. The old plastic bottles are aligned in a regular manner and are transferred into the compressing machine which subsequently presses the bottles and gives bottle a block shape. In the next step, blocks are passed through large crushing machines, and small plastic pieces are formed which are washed through a water container. The washed pieces sent through a machine and then it experiences heated flames which ultimately converts pellets into a raw and pure plastic. This pure plastic is used to manufacture different household items, water bottles, boxes and some other products which are now ready to utilize.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the recycling process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events logically. However, to reach a higher band, you should aim to highlight the 'main features' more explicitly, perhaps by grouping stages or noting the transformation of the material more clearly. While you mention the 9 stages, the description of the final product could be more precise based on the visual data. Overall, the task is addressed well, and the information is accurate to the provided diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, moving step-by-step through the process. You use transition signals such as 'In the first stage', 'followed by', 'In the next step', and 'subsequently' to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction from the body. To improve, ensure that the flow between sentences is slightly more varied, as some transitions feel a bit mechanical. The referencing is clear, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'recycling center', 'compressing machine', and 'pellets'. There are some minor issues with collocation and word choice, such as 'items used on daily basis' (should be 'daily items' or 'everyday items') and 'experiences heated flames' (which is slightly unnatural; 'is subjected to heat' would be better). The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but incorporating more precise technical terminology would elevate the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'gives bottle a block shape' (missing an article: 'gives the bottle a block shape') and 'The washed pieces sent through a machine' (missing a verb: 'are sent'). Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the punctuation is generally correct. To improve, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and the consistent use of articles when describing the stages of the process.

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

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