Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-20

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 plastic bottle recycling process.

Overall, the process forms a continuous cycle, as recycled plastic is eventually used to produce new products. This process consists of nine stages. Discarded plastic bottles are collected, sorted and processed, and converted into raw materials, which are used to manufacture a range of new products.

To begin with, discarded plastic bottles are collected and placed in designated recycling bins. Afterwards, bottles are collected by a truck and delivered to the recycling centre. At the recycling centre, the bottles are sorted according to their type. After the sorting process, the bottles are compressed into blocks and are then sent to be crushed.

Following this, the crusher breaks the blocks of plastic bottles into small pieces for washing. After being washed, the plastic pieces are processed into pellets. These pellets are then heated to form raw material. Finally, the raw material is used to manufacture a various products, including bottles, clothing, bags, and stationery.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the manufacturing of new products. You have provided a clear overview of the cycle and logically sequenced the steps. The main features are highlighted, and the information is accurate based on the provided diagram. To reach a higher band, you could improve the 'comparison' aspect by noting the transformation of states (e.g., from solid blocks to small pieces) more explicitly or by grouping the stages into broader phases (e.g., collection, processing, and manufacturing) to provide a more analytical summary rather than a simple step-by-step description.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is logical and easy to follow. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Afterwards', 'Following this', and 'Finally' to link the stages of the process effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed process description. The flow is smooth, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive referencing, which makes the text easy to read.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately, including terms like 'discarded', 'designated', 'compressed', and 'raw material'. The language is natural and appropriate for a process description. There is a minor error in the final sentence: 'manufacture a various products' should be 'manufacture various products' or 'a variety of products'. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated or precise collocations related to industrial processes would help elevate the score further.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'After being washed, the plastic pieces are processed into pellets.' The passive voice is used correctly throughout, which is essential for describing a process. There are very few errors; the main issue is the minor grammatical slip in the final sentence ('a various products'). Overall, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is accurate, contributing to clear communication.

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

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