Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-08-31

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 nine-stage process involved in recycling plastic bottles, beginning with their collection from designated recycling bins and culminating in the manufacture of various new products.

Overall, the process is a linear sequence in which discarded plastic bottles are collected, transported and sorted before being processed into pellets and subsequently transformed into usable raw material. This material is then utilized to manufacture a range of end products.

Initially, used plastic bottles are deposited in recycling bins, from where they are collected by a specialized recycling truck and transported to a recycling center. Upon arrival, the bottles undergo careful sorting, during which recyclable items are separated from unsuitable materials. The selected plastic is then compressed into large blocks, which are subsequently fed into a crushing machine and broken down into smaller fragments. These pieces are thoroughly washed to remove any remaining impurities.

Following this, the clean plastic fragments are processed in a machine to produce small plastic pellets. The pellets are then heated and melted to form the required raw material, which is stored in large bundles. Finally, this recycled material is used to manufacture a variety of new products, including plastic bottles, food containers, clothing, shopping bags and other plastic items.

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 and provided a logical summary of the flow. The overview effectively highlights the linear nature of the process and the transition from waste to raw material. You have successfully selected the main features and reported them accurately without unnecessary detail. The inclusion of the final products provides a complete picture of the process, fulfilling the requirement to report on the entire cycle. The information is well-developed and the response is fully focused on the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized and flows smoothly from one stage to the next. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Following this', 'subsequently', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction and overview from the detailed process description. The progression of ideas is clear, and the referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the sequence of events described in the diagram.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description. Terms such as 'culminating', 'discarded', 'specialized', 'compressed', and 'impurities' are used accurately and naturally. The language is sophisticated and contributes to a professional tone. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic nature of the task. You have successfully avoided repetition by using varied synonyms throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, including passive voice constructions ('are deposited', 'are collected', 'are separated'), which are essential for describing processes. The punctuation is accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The use of participial phrases, such as 'during which recyclable items are separated', adds to the sophistication of the writing. There are no grammatical slips that impede communication, and the overall control is very strong.

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