Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-27
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 diagram illustrates the procedure of recycling plastic bottles and production of different daily life products from them.
Overall this procedure completes in 9 steps, from throwing bottles into the recycle bin to their transformation into different useful things.
The process starts with the throwing of bottles into the trash can which is dumped in the garbage truck and taken to recycling centre where different bottles are arranged in different categories. After that they are compressed into cube shaped blocks.
Moreover, this cube is then crushed between two meshed gears, followed by washing in a container beneath the crushing setup. The washed material is then poured into the extruder, transforming them into pallets. These pallets are then heated to form the raw material for producing various accessories. Differnet items can be produced by using this material like shirts, ppencils and bottles etc. After that the cycle continues when the items are thrown away in the bin and collected again for recycling.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main stages of the plastic bottle recycling process, from the initial collection by the consumer to the creation of end products and the renewal of the cycle. The overview is clearly stated, and the progression of the nine steps is accurately followed without major omissions. Key features such as sorting, compressing, crushing, washing, and pellet production are appropriately identified and reported in a logical sequence. While the response does not heavily analyse complex comparative data (as this is a process diagram rather than a chart), it covers the necessary procedural features thoroughly, fulfilling the requirements for a Band 7.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout the nine-step process. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'The process starts with', 'After that', 'Moreover', and 'followed by' are used to guide the reader smoothly from one stage to the next. Paragraphing is adequate, although the text is structured into only two main paragraphs. The progression from collection through processing to manufacturing and back to consumption is easy to follow, earning a solid Band 6.5, though more developed paragraphing could elevate this further.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a mechanical process, including terms such as 'procedure', 'compressed', 'crushed', 'extruder', 'pallets', and 'raw material'. There are a few instances of awkward phrasing or minor spelling and word-choice errors, such as 'Differnet' instead of 'different' and 'ppencils' instead of 'pencils', as well as a slight repetition of simple verbs ('produced', 'form'). However, the lexical range is sufficient to clearly convey the technical steps of the recycling loop, warranting a Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as passive constructions ('are compressed into cube shaped blocks', 'are then heated') which are appropriate for process descriptions. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as the missing article in 'taken to recycling centre' and a subject-verb agreement or pronoun reference issue in 'transforming them into pallets' (referring back to the singular extruder or plural material). Punctuation is generally acceptable, and errors do not impede communication, supporting a Band 6.0 score.
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