Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-12

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 7.5)

The given illustration depicts the multi-stage process involved in recycling plastic bottles to produce new items.

Overall, the process consists of nine main steps, beginning with the initial disposal of used plastic bottles and culminating in the manufacturing of new end products.

To start, consumers throw used plastic bottles into designated recycling bins. Next, these waste bottles are gathered by specialized collection trucks and transported to a recycling center. Upon arrival, the bottles undergo manual sorting, where workers separate recyclable plastic from non-recyclable materials and trash. Once sorted, the suitable plastic bottles are compressed and bound together into large, dense blocks known as bales.

In the subsequent stages, these bales are fed into a mechanical shredder, which cuts the plastic into tiny fragments. These plastic flakes are then thoroughly washed to remove any dirt or residue before being heated and melted together. After melting, the liquid plastic is converted into uniform plastic pellets. Finally, these newly formed raw pellets are sent to factories where they are molded and processed into various end products, including clothing, bags, pencil cases, and new plastic containers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final manufacturing of products. The overview is clear, identifying the nine-step nature of the cycle. The information is logically selected and presented, with a good balance between the initial collection phases and the subsequent industrial processing. The summary accurately reflects the provided diagram without missing key steps, demonstrating a strong ability to report on a process-based visual task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-structured with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a clear purpose, moving from the introduction to the collection phase, and finally to the industrial transformation. Cohesive devices such as 'To start', 'Next', 'Upon arrival', 'Once sorted', and 'In the subsequent stages' are used effectively to guide the reader through the process. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is smooth and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and well-suited for a process description. The student uses subject-specific terminology such as 'designated recycling bins', 'mechanical shredder', 'uniform plastic pellets', and 'residue' appropriately. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to describe the process with clarity and precision. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and fits the academic tone required for this task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. A variety of complex sentence structures are used, such as participial phrases ('beginning with...', 'including clothing...') and passive voice constructions ('are gathered', 'are fed', 'are molded'), which are essential for describing processes. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors. The majority of sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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

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