Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The industrial process of manufacturing carbonated soft drinks for retail

The diagram gives information about the process of making carbonated drinks.

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

The process of manufacturing carbonated drinks

1.Water cleaning
2.Heating evaporation and carbonation
3.Mixing
4.Filtering and filling
5.Packaging

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 five-stage industrial process involved in the manufacturing of carbonated beverages. Overall, the production cycle begins with the purification of raw water and concludes with the packaging and transportation of the final products to supermarkets.

In the first stage, raw water undergoes a cleaning process, passing through a filter and a water softener, with additional chemicals added before being pumped forward. Subsequently, in stage two, the water is heated and then cooled via a cooling pipe, where carbon dioxide is introduced to create carbonated water. This carbonated water is then transported to a mixing tank in stage three.

During the third stage, the carbonated water is combined with colouring, syrup, and flavouring agents. Once mixed, the liquid moves to the fourth stage, where it is filtered again before being filled into either bottles or cans. Finally, in stage five, these containers are packed into boxes and loaded onto a truck for delivery to supermarkets. The entire sequence demonstrates a highly structured, automated workflow designed to convert basic raw materials into consumer-ready soft drinks.

177 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.

illustrates: shows or provides information about a visual
subsequently: happening after something else in a sequence
concludes: brings a process or event to an end
combined: joined or mixed together to form one
sequence: a particular order in which things follow
demonstrates: clearly shows how something works or exists

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The production of carbonated drinks is a five-stage industrial process that transforms raw water and various additives into packaged products ready for supermarket distribution.

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.