Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

A diagram illustrating the domestic water cycle and rainwater reuse process

The following diagram shows how rainwater is reused for domestic purposes.

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

1.Rainwater collection from roof into rainwater tank
2.Dam water processed at water treatment plant
3.Drinking water and recycled water supplied to household
4.Household wastewater sent to wastewater treatment plant
5.Excess treated water discharged
6.Stormwater runoff treated and discharged into river

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.

Band 8 sample answer

The provided diagram illustrates the integrated process of water supply and wastewater management within a domestic setting, highlighting how rainwater is harvested and reused alongside treated water sources.

Overall, the system demonstrates a sophisticated cycle where water is sourced from both a dam and rainfall, while wastewater and stormwater are diverted for treatment, ensuring that resources are either recycled back into the household or safely discharged into the environment.

Initially, water is supplied to the house from two primary sources: a dam, which undergoes processing at a water treatment plant to provide drinking water, and a rainwater tank, which collects precipitation directly from the roof. Once inside the home, this water is utilised for various domestic purposes, subsequently generating household wastewater. This wastewater is then channelled to a dedicated treatment plant, where it is either recycled back into the household or released as excess treated water.

Simultaneously, the system manages external runoff. Stormwater is collected from the ground surrounding the house and directed through a separate treatment process before being discharged into a nearby river. This comprehensive infrastructure ensures that water is efficiently managed, minimising waste through recycling and systematic treatment.

191 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

How to write about 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.

integrated: combined into a single, well-functioning whole system
harvested: collected or gathered for future use
subsequently: happening after something else has taken place
channelled: directed or guided along a specific path
simultaneously: occurring or operating at the same time
comprehensive: including all or nearly all elements of something

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.

Practise IELTS Academic writing

On your phone? Get the BandLadder app.

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The diagram illustrates a closed-loop water management system where domestic water is sourced from both natural precipitation and treated supplies, with wastewater and stormwater being processed before being discharged or recycled.

How long should an IELTS Task 1 answer be?

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 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.