Academic Task 1 · Processes and stages
A returnable bottle system
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
The diagram shows a simplified system for collecting and reusing glass bottles. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Open full-size diagram (new tab)How to approach this question
Identify the start, end and main phases. Follow the arrows, describe each major stage and avoid adding causes, machinery or timings that are not shown.
Process diagrams: follow stages, cycles and separate branches →
Overview selection: distinguish the six-stage return loop from the recycling exit. Reusable bottles circulate again; damaged bottles leave at inspection. Do not claim that all collected bottles are refilled.
Detail grouping: describe collection, inspection and washing first, then refilling, shop delivery and customer return. Follow the lower row from right to left. No replacement-bottle input, timings or recycling steps are shown.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Introduction: identify what is shown, including the time period or stages where relevant.
- Overview: select the largest changes, main contrasts or overall process without inventing causes.
- Details 1: group related features and support them with accurate data, locations or stages.
- Details 2: cover the remaining main features and make relevant comparisons. Check units, dates and direction of change.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- are taken out of circulation
- Are removed from a system in which items are repeatedly used.
Damaged bottles are taken out of circulation at the inspection stage.
- re-enter the cycle
- Return to a sequence of stages that can be repeated.
After customers return the empty bottles, they re-enter the cycle at collection.
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