Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-21
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 6.0)
The process diagram illustrates how plastic bottles are recycled and new products are produced by plastic wastes.
Overall, it is readily apparent that the process consists of distinct stages commencing with throwing plastic bottles in garbage and culmunating in different products after recycled. In addition, the whole procedure is man-made and linear.
Initially, the first step is throwing plastic wastes in garbage after that this wastes are transported in a recycling centre. Next, bottles are being sorted properly before compressing into blocks. The next stage is crushing, blocks are crushed into pieces by a machine to soak in water.
After washing, plastic pellets are produced with the help of another machine then pellets are being heated to form raw material. After heating the pellets, the raw material is ready to use. Finally, the plastic bottles are recycled with producing end products and the process will be continued for recycling and reproducing.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response successfully covers all the key stages of the plastic bottle recycling process, from the initial collection in a recycling bin to the production of end products and the continuation of the loop. The student selects and reports the main features accurately, describing sorting, compressing, crushing, washing, pellet production, and heating. However, there are minor inaccuracies in describing the cyclical nature of the process; the student states that 'the whole procedure is man-made and linear', which contradicts the diagram's depiction of a closed-loop system that feeds back into the initial stage. Overall, the information presented is clear and directly addresses the prompt requirements, demonstrating a sound understanding of the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is coherent overall and presents a logical progression through the stages of the diagram. The student uses standard sequencing devices such as 'Initially', 'Next', 'After washing', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process. However, paragraphing is somewhat underdeveloped, with the entire body of the process compressed into a single block following the introduction. Cohesive devices are occasionally mechanical, such as 'after that this wastes are transported', which creates a run-on feel in places. Despite these minor issues, the overall arrangement is easy to follow and meets the requirements for a clear logical flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting process-specific terminology such as 'recycling centre', 'compressing into blocks', 'crushing', 'plastic pellets', and 'raw material'. There are, however, several lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'culmunating' (spelling error for culminating), 'plastic wastes', and 'throwing plastic bottles in garbage' instead of 'into the bin'. Additionally, the phrase 'man-made and linear' shows some misuse of collocation and vocabulary regarding the process structure. While these errors do not impede communication, they reflect a Band 6 level where vocabulary control is sometimes imprecise.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writing includes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting passive voice structures such as 'bottles are being sorted properly' and 'plastic pellets are produced'. Control over grammar and punctuation is inconsistent, with several noticeable errors including fragment-like or run-on phrasing ('the first step is throwing plastic wastes in garbage after that this wastes are transported'), missing prepositions, and awkward gerund usage. Despite these recurring grammatical slips, the meaning remains generally clear and communication is not seriously impeded, which aligns with the descriptors for Band 6.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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