Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The four-stage process for constructing and operating a modern household landfill

The diagram shows the design of a modern landfill for household waste.

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

Design of a modern landfill for household waste

1.Construction: Excavation of a man-made hole in natural rock
2.Construction: Lining with clay and synthetic substance, installing drainage pipes and a drainage tank
3.Use: Filling the site with household waste and managing liquid waste
4.Closure: Sealing the site with a clay cap and installing pipes for gas management

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 four distinct stages involved in the design and operation of a modern landfill for household waste. Overall, the process is characterised by a structured approach to site preparation, waste management, and final environmental sealing to ensure the containment of hazardous materials.

The first stage, construction, begins with the excavation of a large man-made hole into the natural rock foundation. Following this, the second phase involves lining the interior of the hole with layers of clay and a synthetic substance to prevent leakage. During this stage, a network of drainage pipes is installed at the base, leading to a central drainage tank to collect liquid waste.

In the third stage, the site is put into use as household waste is deposited into the lined cavity. As the waste accumulates, liquid byproducts are managed through the previously installed drainage system. Finally, the closure stage involves sealing the top of the landfill with a thick layer of clay. To complete the process, pipes are integrated into the structure to safely manage and extract gases generated by the decomposing waste, ensuring the site is securely contained within the natural rock environment.

192 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.

characterised by: having a particular quality or feature as typical
distinct: clearly different or of a different kind
accumulates: gathers together or increases in quantity over time
integrated: combined with other things to form a whole
subsequent: coming after something in time or order
containment: the action of keeping something harmful under control

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The process illustrates the systematic construction, operation, and eventual closure of a landfill, highlighting the essential engineering measures taken to contain waste and manage environmental byproducts.

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.