Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of small-scale smoked fish production

The diagram shows the small-scale production of smoked fish.

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

  1. 1.Fish are prepared by cutting
  2. 2.Fish are soaked in salt and water for 30 minutes
  3. 3.Fish are boiled for 5 minutes
  4. 4.Fish are smoked in a vat with wood for 30 minutes
  5. 5.Yellow colouring is applied to the fish
  6. 6.Fish are packed into containers
  7. 7.Fish are transported by truck

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 various stages involved in the small-scale production of smoked fish. Overall, the process is comprised of eight distinct steps, starting from the initial preparation of the raw fish and ending with the transportation of the finished product to its final destination.

In the first stage, the fish are prepared by being cut. Following this, they are placed into a container filled with a mixture of salt and water, where they remain for 30 minutes. Once this soaking period is complete, the fish are boiled for 5 minutes. After boiling, the fish undergo a smoking process in a vat containing wood, which also lasts for 30 minutes.

Subsequently, the smoked fish are treated with yellow colouring to enhance their appearance. Once the colouring has been applied, the fish are carefully packed into containers. Finally, the packaged fish are loaded onto a truck, which signifies the end of the production cycle as the goods are transported away. The entire procedure is a linear sequence that transforms raw fish into a commercially ready, smoked, and coloured product through a series of timed treatments.

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

How to write about process diagrams

comprised of
made up of or consisting of specific parts
subsequently
happening after something else in a sequence
signifies
to be a sign of or indicate something
linear sequence
a series of events following a straight line
procedure
a series of actions conducted in a order
illustrates
to show or explain something using a diagram

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The production of smoked fish involves eight distinct stages, beginning with the preparation of the raw fish and concluding with the distribution of the final product.

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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