Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of generating electricity using water and hydroelectric power

The diagram below shows the process of using water to produce electricity.

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

Hydro-electric power generation process

1.Solar energy causes evaporation from the sea
2.Clouds form and move over land
3.Rain falls into a reservoir behind a dam
4.Water flows through an open valve to a turbine
5.Turbine generates electricity sent via high voltage cables
6.Electricity reaches a transformer station
7.Power is distributed through underground cables to buildings
8.Water is pumped back to the reservoir

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 cyclical process of generating electricity through hydroelectric power. Overall, the system relies on natural meteorological phenomena to replenish water supplies, which are then mechanically utilised to produce and distribute electrical energy to various facilities.

Initially, solar energy heats the sea, causing evaporation, which leads to the formation of clouds. These clouds move inland and release precipitation in the form of rain, which collects in a reservoir held back by a dam. When the valve is opened, water flows downwards from the reservoir towards a turbine. This movement of water powers the turbine, which is connected to a network of high-voltage cables.

Once generated, the electricity is transmitted to a transformer station. From this point, the power is distributed via underground cables to supply electricity to various end-users, including schools and hospitals. The process is completed by a pump, which returns water from the turbine area back to the reservoir, ensuring the cycle can continue. This integrated system effectively converts natural water movement into a reliable source of power for the community.

176 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.

cyclical: occurring in a repeating series of events
replenish: to fill something up again
utilised: made practical and effective use of something
initially: at the beginning of a process or period
transmitted: passed or sent from one place to another
integrated: combined into a single, cohesive whole system

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The process illustrates a cyclical system where solar energy drives the water cycle to fill a reservoir, which then powers a turbine to generate electricity for public use.

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.