Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-17
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 below represents the process for recycling plastic bottles.
Overall, the recycling of plastic bottles is a process consisting of several stages, beginning with the collection and sorting of used bottles and ending with the production of new plastic products.
The first step of this process is the collection of plastic bottles in a designated place as shown in picture 1. The next step shows the collection of these bottles by emptying the bins in the truck. In the third stage, the recycling centre does the sorting of the types of plastic bottles that can be recycled and those which can not be recycled. After sorting, the bottles are then compressed into big blocks, and then those blocks are crushed and washed in machines.
The sixth stage involves turning the crushed material into producing plastic pellets. The pellets are heated in the eight process to form raw material and then piled to be sent for next stage. In the final process, the raw material of plastic bottles are used to produce different products such as bottles, boxes, clothing, pencils or shopping bags.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by outlining the complete 9-stage process of recycling plastic bottles, as shown in the diagram. An appropriate overall trend is provided in the second paragraph, summarising that the process begins with collection and sorting and ends with the production of new plastic products. The key stages—such as sorting, compressing, crushing, washing, pelletising, and producing end products—are all accurately reported and logically sequenced without significant omissions or inventions. The response aligns well with the requirements for Band 7, as all main features are addressed and clearly highlighted throughout the text.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The response is logically organised into clear paragraphs, moving from an introductory overview to the body steps in chronological order. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well to guide the reader through the stages, such as 'The first step', 'The next step', 'In the third stage', and 'The sixth stage'. However, there are minor instances where the transitions feel somewhat mechanical or repetitive in their phrasings. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the main body stages, and the conclusion/final steps. Progression is clear throughout, supporting a solid Band 7 rating.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical process, incorporating terms like 'designated place', 'recycling centre', 'compressed', 'crushed', 'plastic pellets', and 'raw material'. While the lexical resource is generally sufficient for the task, some phrases are slightly awkward or less precise, such as 'turning the crushed material into producing plastic pellets' and 'in the eight process'. These minor inaccuracies prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Overall, the vocabulary choices are clear and communicate the intended meaning effectively, satisfying the Band 6 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'In the third stage, the recycling centre does the sorting of the types of plastic bottles that can be recycled and those which can not be recycled.' There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings present, including 'turning the crushed material into producing', 'in the eight process' (instead of eighth), and 'raw material of plastic bottles are used' (subject-verb agreement). Despite these errors, they do not impede overall communication and the meaning remains clear. This performance fits comfortably within the Band 6 criteria.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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