Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The step by step process for obtaining a driving licence

The diagram below shows the process of getting a driving license.

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

The process of obtaining a driving licence

1.Visit licence centre
2.Complete application form
3.Take eye test
4.Pay fee
5.Take written test
6.Retake written test
7.Retake written test
8.Take driving test
9.Get licence

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 stages involved in acquiring a driving licence. Overall, the process is structured around a series of tests, with specific pathways for candidates depending on whether they pass or fail each assessment.

Initially, applicants must visit a licence centre to complete an application form. This is followed by an eye test. If a candidate fails this initial screening, the process concludes as 'not applicable'. Conversely, those who pass proceed to pay the required fee. Once the fee is settled, the applicant moves on to the written test. Failing the written test allows for two opportunities to retake it. If the candidate fails again, they must return to the fee payment stage.

Upon passing the written test, the applicant proceeds to the driving test. If this final practical assessment is failed, the candidate is required to pay the fee again before re-attempting the driving test. Successfully passing the driving test is the final step, which results in the candidate obtaining their licence. The entire procedure is designed to ensure that only those who meet the required standards at every stage are granted a licence.

188 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.

sequential: following a logical order or a set sequence
mandatory: required by rules or laws; compulsory
conversely: introducing a statement that reverses a previous one
assessment: the evaluation or estimation of a person's ability
structured: organized in a definite pattern or system
procedure: an established or official way of doing something

Write your own report and get a band

Take a timed Academic writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Practise IELTS Academic writing

On your phone? Get the BandLadder app.

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The process involves a series of mandatory administrative and practical assessments, where failure at various stages necessitates either re-testing or fee repayment.

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.