axiom

How recycled paper is made: IELTS Task 1 answer #11, band 7.5

A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.

162 words. Marked by Axiom on 1 December 2025. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

The process this answer describes

How recycled paper is made: the stages in order
  1. Making pulp Used paper is dumped from crates/containers and combined with water and chemicals to create unfiltered pulp.
  2. Filtering The unfiltered pulp passes through a filter into a container below.
  3. Cleaning Air, along with water and soap, is added to the mixture in a tank; ink is separated/removed via an outlet pipe/chute, leaving cleaned pulp.
  4. Making paper The pulp is mixed with water & chemicals, then poured onto a conveyor belt where it passes through heated rollers to squeeze out water; the resulting sheet is rolled into rolls of recycled paper.

Academic Task 1162 words

The diagram below illustrates how recycled paper is made.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedThe diagram provided illustrates the detailed process of making recycled paper.

    Adding 'provided' clarifies that the essay is based on a specific diagram.

  2. Lexical resource

    RevisedThe process comprises four main stages: pulping, filtering, cleaning, and paper formation.

    Using synonyms like 'comprises' and 'pulping' adds variety to the vocabulary.

  3. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedOverall, the recycling process involves a series of mechanical and chemical treatments, transforming used paper into a clean and usable product.

    The sentence is made more concise by removing redundant words.

In the first stage, the used paper is transported on a conveyor belt into a pulping machine, where it is mixed with water and chemicals to create a mixture of unfiltered pulp.

  1. Lexical resource

    RevisedIn the second stage, the pulp mixture undergoes filtration.

    Using 'undergoes filtration' instead of 'involves filtering' provides a more formal tone.

  2. Grammar & accuracy

    RevisedThe mixture passes through a filtration system, which removes larger particles, resulting in filtered pulp.

    Using 'which' instead of 'that' for non-defining relative clauses is more appropriate here.

It is then mixed with water and soap, and air is introduced to help remove ink and other contaminants.

  1. Lexical resource

    RevisedSubsequently, the filtered pulp is subjected to a cleaning process.

    Using 'subsequently' and 'is subjected to' enhances the lexical range.

  2. Grammar & accuracy

    RevisedThis results in a cleaned pulp.

    Using 'This results in' provides a clearer cause-effect relationship.

This paper is then rolled onto a new conveyor belt, ready to be used.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedIn the final stage, the cleaned pulp is passed through heated rollers, forming sheets of recycled paper.

    Using 'In the final stage' helps to clearly indicate the conclusion of the process.

Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.

Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.

Coherence & cohesion

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay is logically organized and follows the sequence of the recycling process as depicted in the diagram. However, transitions between stages could be smoother.

Suggestions

  • Use more linking words to enhance flow.
  • Provide a brief introduction to the diagram.
  • Summarize the process at the end.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedThe diagram provided illustrates the detailed process of making recycled paper.

    Adding 'provided' clarifies that the essay is based on a specific diagram.

  • RevisedOverall, the recycling process involves a series of mechanical and chemical treatments, transforming used paper into a clean and usable product.

    The sentence is made more concise by removing redundant words.

  • RevisedIn the final stage, the cleaned pulp is passed through heated rollers, forming sheets of recycled paper.

    Using 'In the final stage' helps to clearly indicate the conclusion of the process.

Grammar & accuracy

Band 8.0/ 9

The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures with minor errors.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedThe process consists of four main stages: making pulp, filtering, cleaning, and paper making.

    Ensuring parallel structure in the list enhances grammatical accuracy.

  • RevisedThe mixture passes through a filtration system, which removes larger particles, resulting in filtered pulp.

    Using 'which' instead of 'that' for non-defining relative clauses is more appropriate here.

  • RevisedThis results in a cleaned pulp.

    Using 'This results in' provides a clearer cause-effect relationship.

Lexical resource

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay uses a range of vocabulary appropriate for describing a process. Some repetition is present.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedThe process comprises four main stages: pulping, filtering, cleaning, and paper formation.

    Using synonyms like 'comprises' and 'pulping' adds variety to the vocabulary.

  • RevisedIn the second stage, the pulp mixture undergoes filtration.

    Using 'undergoes filtration' instead of 'involves filtering' provides a more formal tone.

  • RevisedSubsequently, the filtered pulp is subjected to a cleaning process.

    Using 'subsequently' and 'is subjected to' enhances the lexical range.

Task achievement

Band 8.0/ 9

The essay adequately covers the main stages of the process as depicted in the diagram.

Suggestions

  • Include more details about each stage as shown in the diagram.
  • Ensure all elements in the diagram are mentioned.

Check your own answer on this question

Write your answer and Axiom marks it the same way: a band for each criterion, and revisions for your own sentences. How the Task 1 checker works.

Check an essay free