Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-28
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 process of recycling plastic bottles and transforming them into everyday essentials.
Overall, the recycling process mainly consists of 9 distinct phases, beginning with throwing plastic bottles into the trash and concluding with producing several kinds of useful products.
The recycling process starts when someone throws plastic bottles in the trash. This waste is transferred to a recycling centre with the help of a dedicated vehicle. The main process kicks off in the recycling center where staff separate only plastic bottles for further processing.
The next process involves compressing a huge number of plastic bottles into manageable blocks. Furthermore, the big blocks are sent into a heavy crushing, machine which is responsible for producing plastic pellets, before a further procedure these pellets are washed with a liquid.
After washing with the help of a dryer the pellets are dried out. Plastic pellets are exposed to heat in order to melt all of the pellets to produce a raw material. This raw material is now used for producing essential items such as t-shirts, lunch boxes, pencils and shopping bags.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully covers all the key stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection of plastic bottles to the final production of end products, satisfying the requirements of Task 1. An adequate overview is provided in the introduction, noting that the process consists of 9 distinct phases and transforms waste into everyday essentials. The main features are appropriately reported and sequenced logically. However, there is a minor misinterpretation in the first sentence of the third paragraph where the student states the plastic is thrown 'in the trash' rather than a recycling bin, and a slight omission regarding the distinction between sorting accepted and rejected items. Nonetheless, the response meets all core requirements effectively and maintains a clear, factual reporting style throughout.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression from the beginning to the end of the process. Information is grouped into appropriate paragraphs, each focusing on a distinct stage of the loop. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'The recycling process starts', 'The next process', and 'After washing' are utilised effectively to guide the reader through the sequence. Paragraphing is used sufficiently, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that reflect the flow of the diagram. Referencing is generally clear, though minor improvements in transitional phrasing could make the progression even smoother.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'recycling centre', 'plastic pellets', 'raw material', and 'compressing'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary ('dedicated vehicle', 'everyday essentials'), though some word choices and phrasing are slightly awkward, such as 'heavy crushing, machine' with an unnecessary comma and incorrect punctuation, or 'before a further procedure these pellets are washed'. Spelling is generally accurate, but lexical control fluctuates between precise technical descriptions and slightly informal or repetitive phrasing. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information clearly.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Examples of complex structures include relative clauses ('which is responsible for producing') and participial phrases ('After washing with the help of a dryer the pellets are dried out'). However, there are noticeable grammatical errors and punctuation issues, such as missing commas after introductory phrases ('After washing with the help of a dryer') and run-on phrasing in sentences like 'Furthermore, the big blocks are sent into a heavy crushing, machine which is responsible for producing plastic pellets, before a further procedure these pellets are washed with a liquid.' These errors occasionally cause mild hesitation for the reader, placing the grammar firmly in the Band 6 category.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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