Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-13

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 provided diagram illustrates the cyclic process of how plastic bottles are recycled to create new commercial products.

Overall, the process consists of nine distinct stages, beginning with the collection of waste plastic and ending with the manufacturing of new useful goods. It is a completely cyclical process, as the finished items can eventually be recycled again.

In the first stage, consumers dispose of used plastic bottles into dedicated recycling bins. Following this, collection trucks transport the waste to a specialized recycling center. At the center, a worker sorts the bottles on a conveyor belt, separating the recyclable items from the garbage. In the fourth step, the selected plastic bottles are tightly compressed into large blocks. These blocks are then passed through a crushing machine to be broken down into tiny pieces, which are immediately washed in a large container of water.

Next, the clean, crushed plastic goes into a machine that converts it into small plastic pellets. These pellets are subsequently heated under high temperatures to form bulk raw material, which is stacked into large bags on wooden pallets. Finally, this raw material is used to manufacture various end products, including new plastic bottles, food containers, clothing items, pens, and recycling bags. The cycle then repeats as these products are used and discarded once more.

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 new goods. You have successfully identified the main features and provided a clear, logical summary of the cyclical nature of the process. The overview is concise and accurately reflects the key information presented in the diagram. By describing the transition from raw waste to finished products, you have fully addressed the requirements of the task. The information is well-selected, and the progression is easy to follow, demonstrating a strong grasp of the visual data provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized, with a clear introduction, a logical body paragraph structure, and a coherent progression of ideas. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Following this', 'At the center', 'In the fourth step', and 'subsequently', which guide the reader smoothly through the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed process description. The relationship between the steps is clearly established, and the referencing is consistent throughout the text, ensuring that the flow of information remains logical and easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing a technical process. Terms such as 'cyclic process', 'specialized recycling center', 'conveyor belt', 'compressed', and 'raw material' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is precise and natural, contributing to the clarity of your explanation. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could further enhance the lexical range. Overall, the word choice is accurate and supports the clear communication of the process steps without any noticeable errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as the use of participial phrases ('beginning with...', 'separating the recyclable items...') and relative clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly throughout. The tense usage is consistent, which is crucial for describing a process. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall structure of the sentences is varied and sophisticated enough to meet the criteria for a high band score.

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