Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-23

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 process of recycling plastic bottles, from their initial collection to the production of new products.

Overall, the recycling process consists of nine main stages, beginning with the disposal and collection of used plastic bottles and ending with the manufacture of various new products. The bottles are first sorted and processed mechanically before being converted into pellets and then raw material.

Initially, used plastic bottles are placed in a recycling bin. They are then collected by a specialised truck and transported to a recycling centre, where they are sorted manually. At this stage, recyclable bottles are separated from non-recyclable waste. The selected bottles are subsequently compressed into large blocks.

In the next stage, these blocks are crushed into small pieces. The plastic fragments are then washed to remove any dirt or impurities. After washing, the pieces are fed into a machine that produces small plastic pellets. These pellets are then heated and melted to form raw plastic material, which is stored in large rolls.

Finally, the raw material is used to manufacture a range of new products. These include plastic bottles and containers, clothing such as T-shirts, shopping bags, and stationery items such as pencils. Thus, the process enables used plastic bottles to be transformed into a variety of reusable products.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student covers all key parts of the task by clearly summarising the nine stages of the plastic bottle recycling process. The overview provided in the second paragraph accurately captures the general progression from collection and sorting to raw material production and final manufacturing. Main features and steps are highlighted logically without omitting major phases, such as sorting, crushing, washing, pelletising, and thermal processing. The response is fully grounded in the provided diagram data and successfully explains how the closed loop functions. The band descriptors for Band 8 are met well, as all parts of the task are covered effectively with clear development and no significant omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly into paragraphs, moving from an introductory overview to the initial collection and sorting phases, then through the mechanical and chemical processing stages, and finally concluding with end-product manufacture. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'subsequently', 'In the next stage', and 'Finally' are used appropriately and naturally to guide the reader through the sequence. Paragraphing is skilfully managed, and referencing throughout the text is clear, fulfilling the requirements for Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, employing less common lexical items appropriate for a process diagram, such as 'subsequently', 'impurities', 'thermal processing', and 'manufacture'. Word choice is generally natural and accurate, with good collocations like 'specialised truck', 'non-recyclable waste', and 'plastic pellets'. Minor limitations in vocabulary range prevent a higher score, but the current performance fits comfortably within Band 7 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

A good variety of complex and simple structures is deployed effectively throughout the response, including passive constructions ('are placed', 'are sorted', 'are compressed') which are well-suited to describing a manufacturing process. The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control and punctuation are handled with confidence. Errors are virtually absent, allowing the text to flow smoothly without impeding communication. This strong level of grammatical accuracy and structural variety aligns well with the Band 8 descriptors.

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