Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

The diagram illustrates the process by which used plastic bottles are recycled and transformed into new products.

Overall, there are nine main stages in the recycling process, beginning with the disposal and collection of used plastic bottles and ending with the manufacture of a range of new plastic products. The process involves several mechanical stages, including sorting, compressing, crushing and washing, before the material is converted into pellets and subsequently heated to produce the raw material.

Initially, used plastic bottles are placed in designated recycling bins. These containers are then emptied into a collection truck, which transports the bottles to a recycling centre. There, the bottles are manually sorted, with recyclable items being separated from unsuitable materials. The selected bottles are subsequently compressed into large blocks, which are then fed into a crushing machine and broken down into small pieces. These fragments are thoroughly washed in a water tank to remove any remaining dirt or impurities.

Following this, the clean pieces are processed in a machine to produce small plastic pellets. The pellets are then heated and melted to form usable raw plastic material. Once this material has been prepared, it is stored in large blocks before being used in the final manufacturing stage. Ultimately, the recycled plastic is used to produce a variety of new items, including bottles, food containers, T-shirts, shopping bags and stationery products.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have clearly identified all nine stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final manufacturing of new products. The overview effectively highlights the main features of the process, noting the transition from mechanical stages to the creation of raw materials. You have successfully selected and reported the key information without omitting any significant steps. The logical progression from the collection of bottles to the final output is well-summarised, meeting all requirements for a high-band response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organised and flows smoothly. Each paragraph has a clear focus, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by the initial stages, and concluding with the final transformation. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', 'Following this', and 'Ultimately', which guide the reader through the process without being repetitive. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a wide range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description. Terms such as 'transformed', 'designated', 'impurities', and 'subsequently' demonstrate a good level of control. The vocabulary is precise and fits the context of the diagram perfectly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is natural and sophisticated enough to convey the technical nature of the recycling process clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The grammar is highly accurate throughout the text. You have employed a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of passive voice ('are placed', 'are then emptied', 'are thoroughly washed'), which is ideal for describing a process. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over sentence structure is consistent, and the writing is error-free, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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