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 diagram illustrates the plastic bottle recycling procedure and the different steps involved in this recycling process.

Overall, the process of recycling plastic bottles has nine steps, starting from placing the bottles in the designated bins to producing end-consumer products like bags, t-shirts, pencils and so on.

As the illustration depicts, the first step of recycling plastic bottles begins with people placing used plastic bottles in specified recycle bins. Next, those bottles are collected and transported to recycling centres where workers sort out recyclable plastic bottles. Selected bottles are then compressed and converted into large blocks which are, afterwards, sent through crushing machines. The crushing process produces small plastic pieces which are then washed before feeding them into a machine to make plastic pellets. In the next step, heat is applied to the pellets that ultimately form the raw materials for producing different plastic-made consumer goods. Next, the raw materials are refined and rolled which is used to manufacture end products like t-shirts, pens, plastic bottles, containers, and so on. To reiterate the recycling process, the end products are placed in the designated bins once they get torn out or used. It keeps the plastic recycling process going.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process shown in the diagram. You have identified the main features, starting from the collection of bottles to the creation of end products. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the nine-step process. To reach a higher band, ensure that you focus more on the 'comparison' aspect of the prompt; for instance, you could highlight the transformation from waste to raw material as a key stage. The description is accurate and follows the logical flow of the diagram effectively, meeting the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Next', 'afterwards', 'In the next step', and 'To reiterate' helps guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed description. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow is natural, and the relationship between the different stages of the recycling process is easy to follow, demonstrating a good command of organizational structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'designated bins', 'compressed', 'recycling centres', and 'raw materials'. The vocabulary is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common technical terms related to industrial processes to demonstrate a wider, more flexible range of vocabulary, which would help elevate the score toward the higher bands.

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 the punctuation is used correctly. There are occasional minor issues, such as the phrasing 'which is used to manufacture', where the relative pronoun 'which' refers back to 'raw materials' (plural), making 'are used' more grammatically accurate. However, these errors are infrequent and do not hinder the reader's understanding. The variety of structures is sufficient for this task, showing a solid grasp of English grammar.

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

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