Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-18

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 shows the complete process of recycling plastic bottles, broken down into eight main stages.

The process starts with the collection of plastic bottles and ends with the creation of new reusable materials and products, demonstrating the systematic nature of recycling.

To begin, people drop off their used plastic bottles into special recycling bins. A truck then picks up these bins and takes the bottles to a recycling center. Once at the center, workers carefully sort the materials, separating plastic bottles from other waste to ensure that only the correct items move forward in the process.

After sorting, the plastic bottles are crushed into smaller pieces to make them easier to handle. These pieces are then washed thoroughly to remove any dirt, labels, or other impurities. The cleaned plastic is turned into small pellets. These pellets are then heated and shaped into blocks of raw material, which are pressed into cubes to make them easier to transport. Finally, the recycled materials are used to produce new products, such as plastic bottles and clothing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully covers the main features of the diagram, accurately detailing the cyclical process of recycling plastic bottles from collection to the creation of new end products. The overview provided in the second paragraph effectively highlights the core purpose of the process. However, there is a minor omission regarding the exact sequencing of steps: the student mentions compressing into blocks after washing/pelletizing in the flow, whereas the diagram shows compression occurring before crushing and washing. Despite this slight misinterpretation of the visual sequence, all stages from the diagram are addressed and the general progression is clearly reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression from the beginning to the end of the recycling process. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the introduction, the overview, the collection/sorting phase, and the subsequent manufacturing stages. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin', 'Once at the center', 'After sorting', and 'Finally' are utilized to guide the reader smoothly through the sequence of events, though occasional referencing or transitional links feel slightly mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a mechanical process. Terms like 'systematic nature', 'recycling center', 'impurities', 'pellets', and 'reusable materials' show a good awareness of topic-specific language. While there are a few minor lexical inaccuracies or deviations in the exact order of steps (e.g., confusing the placement of block compression), the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the process clearly without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases ('separating plastic bottles from other waste') and relative clauses. Grammatical control is generally strong with frequent error-free sentences. Minor errors are absent or do not impede understanding, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the response. The control over passive structures appropriate for process descriptions is well maintained.

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

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