Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-01

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 7.5)

The diagram presents a detailed illustration of the eight-step process involved in the recycling of plastic bottles.

Overall, it is crystal clear that the process begins with the collection of bottles and culminates in the creation of new products, demonstrating a systematic approach to recycling plastic materials.

At a fleeting glance, the initial phase of the recycling process commences with individuals depositing plastic bottles into designated collection bins. Subsequently, collection trucks are employed to transport these bottles to a recycling center. Upon arrival, the bottles undergo sorting by personnel, who categorize the materials based on specific criteria to facilitate subsequent processing stages. This sorting is crucial, as it ensures that the materials are effectively prepared for recycling.

Moving further, in the following processing stages, the sorted bottles are subjected to a series of mechanical and chemical treatments. The bottles are first crushed to reduce their size, followed by a washing process to remove contaminants. The cleaned plastic is then transformed into pellets, which are heated to form raw material blocks. These blocks are subsequently compressed into cubes, which can be easily handled and transported. Finally, these cubes are utilized in the production of various end products, including new plastic bottles and textile materials such as clothing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the recycling process, from collection to the final production of new items. You have successfully identified the main features and provided a clear overview in the introduction. The information is logically sequenced, and you have managed to describe the process accurately without missing any key steps. The summary is well-balanced, and the inclusion of the final products provides a comprehensive conclusion to the process description. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the transition between mechanical and chemical stages if the diagram highlights them, but overall, this is a very strong performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Your writing is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Subsequently', 'Upon arrival', 'Moving further', and 'Finally' creates a smooth flow between the steps of the process. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview from the detailed description. The logical flow is consistent throughout, and the referencing is clear, making the text very easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which demonstrates a high level of control over the structure of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description. Phrases like 'culminates in', 'designated collection bins', 'facilitate subsequent processing', and 'subjected to' show a sophisticated command of language. The vocabulary is precise and fits the context of an academic report well. There are no significant spelling errors, and the word choices are natural and accurate. To push toward a higher band, you could incorporate even more specific technical terminology related to recycling processes if the diagram allows, but your current range is already quite sufficient for a high score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice constructions, which are essential for describing processes (e.g., 'the bottles are subjected to', 'the cleaned plastic is then transformed'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no major grammatical slips that impede communication. The variety of sentence structures keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence. You have maintained a formal and objective tone throughout the entire piece.

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