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 their 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 washed and transferred to a machine, which converts them 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 of daily use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final production of new items. The overview is clear, identifying the total number of stages and the start and end points of the cycle. The information is accurately reported, and the main features are highlighted logically. The response is well-balanced, and the progression of the process is easy to follow. No significant information from the diagram is omitted, and the summary provides a comprehensive account of the process as requested by the task instructions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning', 'Next', 'subsequently', 'In the subsequent stage', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial collection and sorting phases from the later processing and manufacturing phases. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different stages is clearly established throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for describing a technical process. Terms such as 'deposit', 'waste management vehicle', 'compressor', 'fragments', and 'raw material' are used correctly. While the range is sufficient to convey the information clearly, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated synonyms or precise technical collocations to reach a higher band. There are no spelling errors, and the word choices are consistently natural and fit the context of a process description well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of relative clauses ('...machine, which converts them into pellets'). The grammar is generally accurate, with no significant errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and list items. While the sentence structures are functional and clear, incorporating a slightly wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the bottles are transported'), would further strengthen the response.

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

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