IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Plastic Bottle Recycling Process (Band 9 Sample)
This Academic Task 1 asks you to describe a process diagram showing how plastic bottles are recycled. A band-9 response gives an overview of the whole process, then reports the stages in order using the passive voice and sequencing language. Below is a model answer of roughly 190 words, followed by why it scores 9 on all four criteria.
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01 · The task
The diagram below shows the process by which used plastic bottles are recycled into new products. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
02 · Band 9 sample answer
190 words · Band 9The diagram illustrates the various stages involved in recycling used plastic bottles into a range of new products.
Overall, the process is linear and consists of nine main stages, beginning with the disposal of empty bottles by consumers and ending with the manufacture of finished goods. Broadly, it can be divided into a collection phase, a processing phase in which the plastic is broken down, and a production phase.
To begin with, used bottles are placed in a recycling bin by the consumer and are then collected by a lorry, which transports them to a recycling centre. Here, the bottles are sorted by hand so that any unsuitable items can be rejected. The accepted plastic is subsequently compressed into large blocks and crushed into small pieces.
In the next phase, these crushed pieces are washed and turned into plastic pellets. The pellets are then heated until they melt, forming a raw material that is rolled into sheets. Finally, this material is used to manufacture new products such as bottles, clothing, bags and pencils, at which point the cycle is complete.
03 · Why this scores Band 9
The response covers the whole process, opens with a clear overview that states the number of stages and groups them into collection, processing and production phases, and then reports every key step in the correct order. It selects the main stages rather than over-describing minor details.
The report follows the ideal process shape — introduction, overview, then the stages in sequence. Sequencing language is varied and accurate — "To begin with", "then", "subsequently", "In the next phase", "Finally" — so the reader can follow the flow from disposal to finished product without confusion.
Process vocabulary is precise and varied — "disposal", "sorted by hand", "compressed into blocks", "crushed into small pieces", "heated until they melt", "manufacture" — and the stages are described with accurate technical verbs rather than a single repeated word.
The passive voice is used correctly and extensively — "are placed", "are collected", "are sorted", "are compressed", "is used to manufacture" — which is exactly what a process description requires. A relative clause ("a lorry, which transports them") and a final "at which point" clause add range, and the writing is error-free.
04 · Useful collocations for this task
Tap a phrase to see what it means and how to use it. Natural collocations like these lift your Lexical Resource score.
05 · Frequently asked questions
What tense and voice should I use for a process diagram?
Use the present simple passive throughout ("the bottles are collected", "the plastic is crushed"), because the focus is on what happens at each stage, not who does it. This is the single most important grammatical feature of a process answer.
How do I show the order of the stages?
Use sequencing words — "first", "then", "subsequently", "after that", "finally". Varying them (rather than repeating "then") keeps the report cohesive and readable, which this model does deliberately.
Do I need to write an overview for a process?
Yes — always. For a process, the overview typically states how many stages there are, whether it is linear or a cycle, and where it begins and ends. You cannot reach band 7+ without it.
How long should a Task 1 answer be?
At least 150 words; a band-9 answer is usually 170–200. This model is 190 words, enough to give an overview and describe all the main stages in order. Spend about 20 minutes on Task 1.
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