Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-10-05

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 following diagram illustrates the process by which plastic bottles are recycled. It shows all steps of recycling in detail.

Overall, The process of recycling plastic bottles consists of 9 individual steps, ranging from Throwing used plastic in bins to producing recycled products.

To commence with, Used plastic bottles are thrown in recycle bins, these bins are located at most public places, alongside wet waste bins. Then, a garbage collection truck comes to empty these trash bins and sort different types of waste. The truck takes the recyclable waste to a recycling center, where it is further sorted depending on it's use. The waste is then compressed into blocks using industrial hydraulic presses, which is afterwards taken to the crusher to be crushed into plastic scraps.

Furthermore, The crushed plastic scraps are processed further in a machine to produce plastic pellets. Moreover, these pellets are heated to form raw material, this raw material is then stored, before being taken into macufacturing factories to be transformed into end products like plastic bottles, cups, bags and shirts. This is a never ending repeatable process, as the formed plastic products can be recycled again, once they are thrown out, following the same steps.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main stages of the plastic bottle recycling process, from discarding waste to producing end products. However, some aspects are unevenly developed. While the middle stages are described with reasonable detail, other parts lack clarity regarding specific processes. For instance, the transition from washing to producing plastic pellets is slightly rushed, and the overview provided in the second paragraph is somewhat simplistic. To reach a higher level, the writer should ensure all key features, such as the separation into check and cross categories during sorting, are more thoroughly extended and reported without missing minor mechanical details depicted in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement and follows the chronological flow of the cycle logically. Progression is generally clear, aided by introductory phrases and sequential markers such as 'To commence with', 'Then', and 'Furthermore'. However, cohesion can sometimes feel mechanical or repetitive, and referencing is occasionally loose, such as the use of comma splices where more precise cohesive links are needed (e.g., 'bins are located at most public places, alongside wet waste bins. Then...'). Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and body steps. To move up, the writer needs to employ a wider and more flexible range of cohesive devices that connect ideas smoothly rather than relying on basic sequential transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully communicating the main stages of the recycling loop using terms like 'industrial hydraulic presses', 'plastic scraps', and 'raw material'. The writer attempts less common vocabulary, but this is sometimes accompanied by minor inaccuracies or spelling slips, such as 'macufacturing' instead of manufacturing, and the incorrect possessive form 'it's' instead of 'its'. Word choice is generally functional, but lacks the precision and sophistication seen at higher bands. To improve, the writer should refine word choice and collocation, eliminate spelling errors, and incorporate more varied, academic terminology suited to describing industrial processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writing exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating an ability to construct multi-clause sentences such as 'The waste is then compressed into blocks using industrial hydraulic presses, which is afterwards taken to the crusher...'. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, including comma splices and minor agreement issues, though these rarely impede communication. Punctuation control is inconsistent, particularly with mid-sentence capitalization after commas. To achieve a higher score, the writer must increase the proportion of error-free complex sentences and ensure tighter control over punctuation and subject-verb agreement throughout the essay.

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

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