Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-09-29

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 by which plastic bottles are recycled, from their initial disposal to the production of new products.

Overall, the recycling process consists of several stages, beginning with the collection of used plastic bottles and ending with the manufacture of new products. The process is largely mechanical and involves sorting, cleaning, processing and remoulding the plastic.

First, used plastic bottles are placed in recycling bins and collected by a truck, which transports them to a recycling centre. There, the bottles are sorted manually according to their type and quality before being compressed into large blocks. These blocks are then broken into small pieces using a specialised machine.

Next, the small pieces of plastic are washed thoroughly and processed to produce plastic pellets. The pellets are subsequently heated and melted to create raw plastic material. This material is then used to manufacture a range of new products.

In the final stage, the recycled plastic is transformed into various items, including new plastic bottles, containers, clothing and other consumer goods. Thus, the process enables discarded plastic bottles to be converted into useful products rather than being sent to landfill.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear overview and summarizing all the main stages of the plastic bottle recycling process from initial disposal to end products. The information is accurately reported from the visual data, tracing the steps sequentially without omitting vital parts of the loop. For instance, the transition from collection and sorting to crushing, washing, pellet production, and final manufacturing is clearly detailed. The response satisfies all requirements for Task Achievement, earning a solid Band 7.5.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response exhibits clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information flows naturally in a chronological sequence that mirrors the diagram's layout. Paragraphing is used effectively, with separate paragraphs for the introduction, overall summary, sorting/crushing stages, pellet/raw material formation, and final products. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', 'Subsequently', and 'In the final stage' are employed flexibly to guide the reader smoothly through the process without becoming mechanical. Cohesion and paragraphing are well-managed.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The writer demonstrates a sufficient and precise range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical process. Less common items such as 'disposal', 'remoulding', 'compressed', 'specialised machine', and 'manufacture' are used naturally and with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are accurate, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The lexical range is solid and allows for precise reporting of the visual data.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The student displays good control of grammar and punctuation, utilizing a variety of complex sentence structures appropriately, such as participial phrases ('beginning with the collection...', 'derived from...') and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and minor errors are absent. Punctuation is accurate, and verbs and tense agreements are handled consistently throughout the report. This level of accuracy and range strongly supports a Band 8.0 score.

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