Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-07

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 illustrates the process of recycling plastic bottles, from their disposal to the production of new items.

Overall, the recycling process consists of nine stages, beginning with the collection of used plastic bottles and ending with the manufacture of new products. The main stages include collection, sorting, processing, and the production of recycled materials.

Initially, consumers place used plastic bottles into designated recycling bins. These bottles are then collected by a recycling truck and transported to a recycling centre. At the facility, the bottles are carefully sorted, with recyclable items separated from unsuitable materials. The selected bottles are subsequently compressed into large blocks before being crushed into small pieces. The crushed plastic is then thoroughly washed to remove any impurities.

Following the cleaning process, the plastic fragments are processed into small pellets. These pellets are heated and melted to produce raw plastic material, which is then stored for manufacturing purposes. In the final stage, the recycled raw material is used to produce a variety of new products, including plastic bottles, food containers, clothing, shopping bags, and stationery, thereby completing the recycling cycle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the recycling process, from the initial collection to the final production of new items. You have successfully identified the main features and presented them in a logical, chronological order. The overview is clear and provides a concise summary of the process, which is a key requirement for Task 1. The information is well-selected, and you have avoided unnecessary detail while ensuring that no significant steps were omitted. The response is accurate and directly addresses the prompt, demonstrating a strong understanding of the diagram provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from the introduction and overview to the specific stages of the process. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'subsequently', 'Following the cleaning process', and 'In the final stage', which helps the reader follow the sequence of events smoothly. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the collection/sorting phase and the manufacturing phase is seamless. The overall structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms such as 'designated', 'compressed', 'impurities', and 'manufacturing purposes' are used appropriately and demonstrate a good level of precision. The language is natural and fits the context of a technical process description well. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated synonyms or collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task and shows good control over topic-specific terminology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the use of passive voice ('are then collected', 'are subsequently compressed'), which is highly appropriate for describing a process. The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The sentences are well-constructed, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text. The writing is clear, precise, and error-free, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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