Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The Step-by-Step Process for Preparing Homemade Pizza Dough

The process below shows how to make dough for a pizza.

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

1.Combine 500g 00 flour, 325g water, 2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp dry active yeast in a stand mixer.
2.Mix on slow speed for 2 minutes.
3.Mix on medium speed for 5 minutes.
4.Mix on slow speed for a final 2 minutes.
5.Allow the dough to rise for at least 2 hours until it doubles in size.
6.Work the dough to remove air bubbles.
7.Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces of 275 grams each.

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 sequential stages involved in preparing pizza dough, starting from the initial combination of ingredients to the final portioning of the mixture.

Overall, the process is characterised by a structured mixing phase, a mandatory rising period, and a final manual preparation stage, resulting in three equal portions of dough. The entire procedure requires precise measurements and specific time intervals to ensure the correct consistency.

To begin, 500 grams of 00 flour, 325 grams of water, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 0.5 teaspoons of dry active yeast are placed into a stand mixer. The mixing process is divided into three distinct stages: an initial 2 minutes on a slow setting, followed by 5 minutes at medium speed, and a final 2 minutes back on the slow setting. Once mixed, the dough must be left to rise for a minimum of 2 hours, during which time it should double in size.

In the final stages, the dough is worked manually to eliminate any air bubbles. Lastly, the mixture is divided into three equal pieces, each weighing 275 grams, ready for further use.

184 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
characterised: having a particular quality or feature as typical
mandatory: required by rules or a specific process
distinct: clearly different or separate from each other
initial: existing or occurring at the very beginning
portioning: dividing something into specific amounts or shares

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The process involves a specific sequence of mixing ingredients, a fermentation period, and manual preparation to yield three equal portions of dough.

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.