Structure
How to describe a process diagram
- →Number the stages on the diagram and decide whether it is linear (start to finish) or cyclical (returns to the start).
- →Overview: what the process produces or achieves, how many main stages, and whether it is man-made or natural.
- →Body: two paragraphs splitting the stages roughly in half, each stage in a sentence or two with a sequencer: first, next, once, after which, at the same time, finally.
- →Use the passive for actions where the agent is unknown or unimportant (the mixture is heated to 200 degrees) and the active for natural processes (water evaporates).
The full method, with scoring and common mistakes, is in the IELTS Task 1 process diagram guide.
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Process diagrams: all sample answers
- The manufacturing process of coloured plastic paper clips in a factory
- The manufacturing process of frozen fish pies from raw ingredients
- The mechanism of a residential central heating system
- The multistage industrial production process of canned pear fruit products
- The Nine-Stage Process for Recycling Plastic Bottles into New Products
- The Operational Mechanism and Features of an Automatic Photo Booth
- The operational process of a hydroelectric power station
- The Procedure for University Entry for High School Graduates
- The process for university students to complete their work experience requirement
- The process of collecting and broadcasting Australian weather forecast information
- The process of collecting and treating rainwater for domestic drinking water
- The process of constructing a storage area using concrete canvas
- The process of generating and managing domestic electricity using solar panels
- The process of generating electricity from coal using gasification technology
- The process of generating electricity using a geothermal power plant
- The process of generating electricity using water and hydroelectric power
- The process of generating electricity using wave power structures
- The process of how rain-shadow deserts are formed geographically
- The process of producing biofuel ethanol from plants and trees
- The process of recycling and manufacturing glass bottles
- The process of recycling organic waste to produce garden fertilizer
- The process of recycling waste paper into new usable paper products
- The process of small-scale smoked fish production
- The process of steam generation in a gas-cooled nuclear reactor
- The process of transforming raw cocoa beans into finished products
- The Production Process of Five Different Varieties of Tea Leaves
- The Production Process of Fresh and Concentrated Orange Juice
- The Production Process of Instant Coffee for Retail Sale
- The production processes of cement and the subsequent creation of concrete
- The Recycling Procedure for Glass Bottles in a Processing Plant
- The recycling process of aluminium cans from collection to reuse
- The step by step process for obtaining a driving licence
- The step-by-step industrial process for manufacturing various leather products
- The step-by-step industrial process of manufacturing chocolate from cacao trees
- The step-by-step industrial process of manufacturing ethanol fuel from corn
- The Step-by-Step Process for Preparing Homemade Pizza Dough
- The step-by-step process of generating electricity from coal
- The step-by-step recruitment procedure at ACME Corporation
- The structural design and operational process of a home smokery
- The typical stages of consumer goods manufacturing and information feedback loops
- The various stages involved in the production of woolen goods
- University entry for high school graduates: application to enrolment flowchart
Frequently asked questions
How do I describe an IELTS process diagram in Task 1?+
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.
What band are these process diagram sample answers?+
Each of the 85 process diagram samples has a Band 8 model answer. The chart is redrawn with its data, and every figure in the answer comes from that chart.
How many words and how long for Task 1?+
At least 150 words in about 20 minutes. 170 to 200 words is the safe range; leave 40 minutes for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.
Do I need an overview for a process diagram?+
Yes. State what the process is for, how many stages it has, and where it starts and ends. Without it task achievement is capped at band 5.
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Other Task 1 chart types
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