Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-25

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 of recycling plastic bottles, from their initial disposal in recycling bins to the production of new plastic products.

Overall, the process consists of nine stages and can be divided into three main phases: collection and sorting, processing the selected bottles, and manufacturing new products. It is a cyclical process because the resulting products can eventually be recycled again.

Initially, people place used plastic bottles in recycling bins. These are collected by a truck and transported to a recycling centre, where they are sorted on a conveyor belt. Recyclable bottles are separated from rejected items and are then compressed into large blocks. Next, these blocks are crushed into small pieces, which are subsequently washed to remove impurities.

In the next stage, the clean plastic pieces are fed into a machine that produces plastic pellets. These pellets are then heated to form raw plastic material. Finally, this material is used to manufacture a range of new products, including bottles, food containers, T-shirts, shopping bags and pencils. Thus, waste bottles are transformed into useful products through a series of mechanical and heating processes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main stages of the recycling process and provided a logical overview. By categorising the process into three distinct phases—collection, processing, and manufacturing—you have demonstrated a high level of analytical skill. The inclusion of specific examples of end products (e.g., T-shirts, pencils) effectively highlights the key features of the diagram. The summary is accurate, and the cyclical nature of the process is well-noted, which fully satisfies the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is very well-structured. Each paragraph has a clear focus, and the progression of ideas is logical and easy to follow. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'Next', 'In the next stage', and 'Finally', which guide the reader smoothly through the process. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is logical, contributing to a seamless flow of information. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage, and the overall arrangement is highly coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a range of vocabulary that is both precise and appropriate for describing a technical process. Words and phrases such as 'cyclical process', 'subsequently', 'impurities', and 'transformed' demonstrate a good level of lexical control. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately throughout the text. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated, topic-specific collocations could elevate the response further, but the current level is already very strong and conveys meaning with high precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your control of grammar is impressive. You have successfully employed a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of relative clauses ('which are subsequently washed') and passive voice constructions ('are collected', 'are fed'), which are essential for describing processes. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent, and the majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high level of grammatical competence throughout the response.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.