Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The cyclical process of recycling glass bottles for consumer use: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 process diagram question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about process diagrams.
  • 177 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram below shows how glass is recycled.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

  1. 1.Recycle Bin
  2. 2.Treatment plant
  3. 3.Washing and sterilising machine
  4. 4.Crushing and melting machine
  5. 5.Moulding machine
  6. 6.Delivery to supermarket

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8177 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagram illustrates the cyclical stages involved in the recycling of glass bottles. Overall, the process is a closed-loop system that begins with the collection of used glass and concludes with the distribution of new products to retail outlets, ensuring that materials are repurposed efficiently.

The initial stage of the cycle involves the collection of used glass bottles in a designated recycle bin. Once collected, these items are transported to a treatment plant for preliminary processing. Following this, the glass undergoes a thorough cleaning process in a washing and sterilising machine to ensure the material is hygienic for future use.

In the subsequent phase, the cleaned glass is subjected to a crushing and melting machine, where it is broken down and heated to a molten state. This liquid glass is then transferred to a moulding machine, which shapes the material into new bottles. Finally, these newly formed glass containers are loaded onto delivery vehicles and transported to supermarkets, where they are made available to consumers, thereby completing the cycle and allowing the process to begin anew.

Write your own report and get a band

Take a timed Academic writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Write a report, get a band free →

Process diagrams

How to write about process diagrams: tips and vocabulary

  • →Say how many stages there are and where the process starts and ends.
  • →Use the passive and sequencers: first, after this, once, finally.
  • →Keep every stage; a missing step costs task achievement.
  • cyclical

    occurring in a repeating series of events

  • closed-loop

    a system where waste is reused as input

  • subsequent

    coming after something else in a sequence

  • subjected to

    forced to experience a particular process

  • repurposed

    adapted for use in a different way

  • preliminary

    denoting an action done in preparation

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The recycling process is a continuous cycle that transforms used glass bottles into new products through a series of mechanical and thermal stages, ultimately returning them to supermarkets for consumer purchase.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

How do I describe process diagrams?+

Say how many stages there are and where the process starts and ends. Use the passive and sequencers: first, after this, once, finally. Keep every stage; a missing step costs task achievement.

Keep practising

More process diagrams

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Write a report, get a band free