Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-14

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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles.

Overall, the recycling process consists of nine stages, beginning with the collection of discarded plastic bottles and ending with the production of various new products. During the process, the bottles are sorted, compressed, crushed and washed before being converted into pellets and then raw material.

Initially, plastic bottles are placed in recycling bins at different collection points. A collection truck then collects the bottles and transports them to a recycling centre. At the centre, the bottles are sorted, with only suitable ones being selected for further processing.

The selected bottles are subsequently compressed into large blocks. These blocks are then crushed into small pieces, which are washed in a water tank. After being cleaned, the pieces are placed into a machine that produces plastic pellets.

In the next stage, the pellets are heated to form raw material. Finally, this raw material is used to manufacture a range of new products, including bottles, clothing, bags and other plastic items.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final product. You have successfully identified the main features and provided a clear overview in the introduction. The information is logically sequenced, and the progression of the process is easy to follow. To reach a higher band, you could aim to incorporate more explicit comparisons or highlight the transformation of the material more dynamically, perhaps by grouping the stages into distinct phases (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing) more explicitly. However, the current response is accurate and fully addresses the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a logical flow. You use cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'subsequently', 'In the next stage', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the recycling cycle. The referencing is clear, and the progression of ideas is smooth throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices, making the writing easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing a technical process, such as 'discarded', 'compressed', 'converted', and 'manufacture'. The word choice is precise and fits the context well. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, it remains somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could integrate more sophisticated or less common collocations related to industrial processes, such as 'reprocessed', 'raw material feedstock', or 'transformed into'. Nevertheless, the current range is more than adequate for the task and conveys the information clearly without error.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Your use of passive voice—essential for describing processes—is consistent and accurate (e.g., 'bottles are sorted', 'pieces are placed'). The grammar is highly accurate, with no noticeable errors in tense, subject-verb agreement, or punctuation. The sentences are well-constructed and flow naturally. To push into the highest band, you could experiment with a slightly wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as using more participial phrases or conditional clauses to describe the process, though the current control is already very strong.

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