Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-03

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 diagram illustrates the step-by-step process for recycling plastic bottles.

Overall, the whole process consists of nine stages. The process begins with the disposal of used bottles in a recycling bin and ends with the production of new products from recycled plastic.

At the beginning of the process, people deposit the waste bottles into the bin, and then the waste management vehicle takes the bottles and transports them to the recycling plant. Next, in the recycling plant, workers sort the bottles according to condition and quality. The compressor then shapes the bottles into blocks by compression. The compressed plastic is subsequently crushed into tiny pieces.

In the subsequent stage, plastic fragments are then washed and transferred to a machine, which converts the shattered pieces of plastic into pellets. Moreover, the pellets are heated to shape raw material for products. Finally, raw materials are converted into useful products like bottles, shirts, and other items.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final product. The overview is clear, identifying the nine-stage nature of the process. The information is logically selected and reported, with a good balance between the initial collection, the processing stages, and the final output. The response effectively highlights the key transformations, such as the compression and pelletizing phases. To reach a higher band, the student could have made more explicit comparisons or highlighted the cyclical nature of the process more clearly, perhaps by noting that the final products (like bottles) can re-enter the cycle.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a logical progression of ideas. The use of cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning of the process', 'Next', 'In the subsequent stage', and 'Finally' creates a smooth flow between steps. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the collection phase from the manufacturing phase. The referencing is clear, and the text is easy to follow throughout. The structure is logical and supports the reader's understanding of the process without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate and appropriate for a process description. The student uses relevant technical terms such as 'recycling plant', 'compressor', 'fragments', and 'pellets'. While the range is sufficient to convey the process accurately, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is precise enough to describe the mechanical steps clearly.

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 the punctuation is used correctly. The use of passive voice, which is essential for process descriptions (e.g., 'bottles are transported', 'fragments are washed'), is handled accurately. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve, the student could incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional or relative clauses, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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

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