Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-07-28

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 8.0)

The process diagram given below illustrates the recycling of plastic bottles through waste material.

Overall, the recycling process consists of nine stages, beginning with the disposal of used plastic bottles in special recycling bins and ending with the manufacturing of various new products. During the process the bottles are collected, sorted, cleaned, crushed and converted into raw material before being used again.

In the first stage, people place used plastic bottles into designated recycling bins. These bottles are than collected by a truck and transported to a recycling center. At the recycling facility, workers sort the bottles separating recyclable items from unsuitable waste. The bottles are compressed into large blocks.

Next, the compressed plastic is crushed into small pieces, which is washed to remove any dirt and particles. The clean plastic then processed into plastic pellets. After that, the pellets are heated to form raw material.

Finally, the raw material is used to manufacture several products like T-shirts, bags and food containers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final manufacturing of products. The overview is clear and effectively summarises the main stages. The information is logically selected and reported, providing a coherent summary of the diagram. The response meets the requirements of the task well by identifying the key features and describing the sequence of events accurately. There are no significant omissions, and the information is presented in a clear, professional manner suitable for an Academic Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is well-organised with a clear progression of ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the overview, and the specific stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Next', 'After that', and 'Finally' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the sequence. The logical flow is consistent throughout the text, and referencing is clear. The structure is logical and easy to follow, which contributes to the overall coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is adequate and appropriate for the task. The student uses process-specific terminology such as 'recycling bins', 'compressed', 'raw material', and 'manufacture'. While the range is sufficient, it could be enhanced with more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms to reach a higher band. There are no spelling errors, and the word choices are precise enough to convey the intended meaning without ambiguity. The language is natural and fits the context of a process description well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, though there are minor slips, such as 'These bottles are than collected' (should be 'then') and 'The clean plastic then processed' (missing 'is'). Despite these occasional errors, the grammar does not impede communication. The use of passive voice, which is essential for process descriptions, is handled well throughout the text. The punctuation is generally accurate, supporting the clarity of the writing.

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