Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The Procedure for University Entry for High School Graduates

The diagram shows the procedure for university entry for high school graduates.

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

  1. 1.Obtain High School degree
  2. 2.Complete Application Form (Download from website)
  3. 3.Compile Documentation
  4. 4.Send to Admin
  5. 5.Provisional Acceptance (more documentation required)
  6. 6.Rejection
  7. 7.Cancel Application
  8. 8.Complete Application for Alternative Course
  9. 9.Acceptance Compete Enrolment
  10. 10.Select Subjects
  11. 11.Register with Dean
  12. 12.Enter University

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 flowchart illustrates the sequential steps required for high school graduates to gain admission into a university. Overall, the process is linear but incorporates several decision points that can lead to alternative outcomes depending on the administrative assessment of the application.

To begin, candidates must obtain their high school degree and download an application form from the university website. Once the form is completed and documentation is compiled, the application is submitted to the administration. Following a two-week assessment period, the administration provides a response. If the application is rejected, the candidate must either cancel their application or complete an application for an alternative course.

Conversely, if the applicant receives a provisional acceptance due to insufficient documentation, they are required to re-compile the necessary paperwork and resubmit it to the administration. Upon successful acceptance and completion of enrolment, which also takes two weeks, the student proceeds to select their subjects and register with the dean. The final stage of this academic journey is the official entry into the university. This structured procedure ensures that all candidates meet the necessary requirements before commencing their studies.

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

How to write about process diagrams

sequential
following a logical order or a set sequence
linear
arranged in or extending along a straight line
decision points
specific stages where a choice must be made
conversely
introducing a statement that reverses a previous one
commencing
beginning or starting an activity or event
illustrates
explains or makes something clear using visual aids

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The process involves several stages starting from obtaining a high school degree and ending with university entry, with specific pathways for provisional acceptance, rejection, or alternative course applications.

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.

More process diagrams