Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of producing biofuel ethanol from plants and trees

The diagram below shows how a biofuel called ethanol is produced.

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

Biofuel production: how ethanol is made
  1. 1.Plants and trees grow using sunlight and carbon dioxide
  2. 2.Harvesting of plants
  3. 3.Pre-processing
  4. 4.Cellulose extraction
  5. 5.Processing
  6. 6.Conversion to sugars
  7. 7.Microbes added
  8. 8.Ethanol production
  9. 9.Distribution to vehicles, trucks, and airplanes
  10. 10.Release of carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere

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 producing biofuel, specifically ethanol, from plant matter. Overall, the production of ethanol is a continuous loop that begins with the growth of vegetation and ends with the release of carbon dioxide through the combustion of fuel in various modes of transport.

The process commences with plants and trees growing by absorbing energy from sunlight and carbon dioxide. Once mature, these plants are harvested and undergo a pre-processing stage. Following this, the material is broken down into cellulose, which is then subjected to further processing. During this phase, the cellulose is converted into sugars. Microbes are subsequently added to these sugars to facilitate the production of ethanol.

Once the ethanol is produced, it is distributed for use in various transport sectors, including cars, trucks, and airplanes. The combustion of this biofuel in these vehicles results in the emission of carbon dioxide. This released carbon dioxide completes the cycle by returning to the atmosphere, where it is once again absorbed by growing plants and trees, thereby sustaining the cycle of biofuel production.

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

How to write about process diagrams

cyclical
occurring in a repeating series of events
subsequently
happening after something else has taken place
commences
the point at which something begins or starts
facilitate
to make a process easier or possible
emission
the production and discharge of a substance
sustaining
to keep something going or maintain it

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The diagram illustrates a cyclical process where plants absorb carbon dioxide to produce ethanol, which is subsequently consumed by transport vehicles, releasing carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

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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