Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles, from their disposal to the production of new items.

Overall, the recycling process consists of nine stages, beginning with the collection of used plastic bottles and ending with the manufacture of new products. The main stages include collection, sorting, processing, and the production of recycled materials.

Initially, consumers place used plastic bottles into designated recycling bins. These bottles are then collected by a recycling truck and transported to a recycling centre. At the facility, the bottles are carefully sorted, with recyclable items separated from unsuitable materials. The selected bottles are subsequently compressed into large blocks before being crushed into small pieces. The crushed plastic is then thoroughly washed to remove any impurities.

Following the cleaning process, the plastic fragments are processed into small pellets. These pellets are heated and melted to produce raw plastic material, which is then stored for manufacturing purposes. In the final stage, the recycled raw material is used to produce a variety of new products, including plastic bottles, food containers, clothing, shopping bags, and stationery, thereby completing the recycling cycle.

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 production of new goods. The overview clearly identifies the nine-stage nature of the process, which is a key feature of the diagram. The information is logically selected and reported, with a clear progression that mirrors the visual flow. The response successfully highlights the transition from raw waste to processed pellets and finally to finished products. It fully addresses the requirements of the task by summarizing the main features without unnecessary detail, demonstrating a clear understanding of the process flow.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear, logical progression. The use of paragraphing is appropriate, separating the introduction and overview from the detailed process steps. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'subsequently', 'Following the cleaning process', and 'In the final stage' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence of events. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the recycling cycle. The structure is coherent and professional throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for a process description. The student uses a good range of topic-specific terminology, such as 'designated recycling bins', 'compressed', 'impurities', and 'raw plastic material'. The word choices are precise and contribute to a formal, academic tone. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, it could be further elevated by incorporating more sophisticated synonyms for common verbs like 'produce' or 'use' to reach the highest band levels. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. A variety of complex structures, including passive voice constructions ('are then collected', 'are subsequently compressed', 'is then thoroughly washed'), are used accurately to describe the process. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The sentence structures are varied, and the majority of sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong command of English grammar suitable for an academic task.

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