Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-23

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 illustration depicts the process in which plastic bottles are recycled.

Overall, the 9-step cycle begins with the placement of plastic bottles in dustbins and ends with the production of different goods. This is achieved by turning plastic into different types of raw materials which can make different plastic products.

The process starts when plastic containers are placed in the recycling bins which are then transported to recycling centres where they are sorted. After they have been successfully sorted out, these are then compressed into different blocks of plastic.

At step 5, compressed plastic blocks are crushed into very small pieces and put into a liquid for washing. After washing, these plastic pieces are passed through a machine to produce plastic pellets. Consequently, plastic pellets are heated which results in the production of raw materials. At last, raw materials are turned into different everyday plastic goods and the process commences again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the production of new goods. You have successfully identified the main features and provided a clear overview. The information is logically presented, and the progression of the cycle is easy to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure you provide more specific detail on the transformation stages, such as the transition from 'liquid' to 'pellets' or the specific nature of the 'raw materials'. While the summary is accurate, adding a bit more analytical depth regarding the cyclical nature of the process would strengthen the response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph that follows the chronological order of the process. You have used cohesive devices such as 'After they have been successfully sorted out', 'At step 5', and 'Consequently' to guide the reader through the stages. The paragraphing is appropriate for a short report. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases further to avoid a slightly mechanical feel, and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'these') clearly points back to the intended noun to maintain smooth flow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'compressed', 'sorted', and 'transported'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for a technical description. However, there is some repetition of basic terms like 'different' and 'plastic'. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more varied and sophisticated vocabulary related to industrial processes, such as 'processed', 'converted', or 'manufactured'. The current vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the flexibility and precision required for the higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and your use of passive voice—which is essential for process descriptions—is generally accurate, for example, 'plastic containers are placed' and 'are then transported'. There are no significant errors that impede communication. To improve, you could experiment with more complex sentence structures, such as using participle clauses (e.g., 'Having been sorted, the plastic is then compressed') to increase the sophistication of your writing.

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

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