Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of generating electricity from coal using gasification technology

The diagram below shows how one type of coal is used to produce electricity.

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

Coal-to-Electricity Production Process
  1. 1.Coal extraction
  2. 2.Crushing
  3. 3.Transportation
  4. 4.Gasification
  5. 5.Cooling
  6. 6.Cleaning
  7. 7.Gas power plant generation
  8. 8.Electricity distribution

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 industrial process of converting coal into electricity. Overall, the procedure is a linear sequence that begins with raw material preparation and culminates in power distribution, involving several intermediate stages of chemical and thermal conversion.

Initially, coal is extracted and processed through a crusher to reduce its size. Once crushed, the coal is transported to a gasifier. During this gasification stage, heat is produced as a by-product. The resulting gas is then directed to a cooling unit, where further waste heat is released. Following the cooling phase, the gas undergoes a cleaning process to ensure it is suitable for power generation.

In the final stages, the cleaned gas is fed into a gas power plant. This facility converts the gas into electricity, which is then distributed to industrial consumers and the national power grid. Similar to the gasification and cooling stages, the power plant also emits waste heat as a secondary output. The entire cycle highlights the complexity of coal-based energy production, emphasizing both the primary objective of electricity generation and the inevitable release of thermal energy throughout the various conversion steps.

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

How to write about process diagrams

culminates
reaches a climax or the final stage
intermediate
coming between two things in time or order
by-product
an incidental or secondary product made during manufacturing
linear
arranged in or extending along a straight line
conversion
the process of changing something into a different form
distributed
shared out or spread over an area

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The process involves a multi-stage transformation of coal into electricity, characterized by several industrial conversion phases and the generation of by-products such as waste heat.

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.

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