Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The step-by-step recruitment procedure at ACME Corporation

The diagram below shows the steps in the hiring process at ACME Corporation.

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

Hiring process at ACME Corporation
  1. 1.Submit Application
  2. 2.Attend Initial Qualifying Interview
  3. 3.Meet Basic Qualifications
  4. 4.Do not Meet Basic Qualifications
  5. 5.Not Employed
  6. 6.Take Aptitude Test
  7. 7.Pass: Employed on Six-Month Probation
  8. 8.Failed: Not Employed
  9. 9.Six Month Evaluation
  10. 10.Recommended
  11. 11.Not Recommended
  12. 12.Permanent Position Offered
  13. 13.Not Employed

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 the recruitment process at ACME Corporation, starting from the initial application submission to the final offer of a permanent position.

Overall, the hiring process is a multi-stage procedure that filters candidates through interviews, testing, and a probationary period before offering permanent employment. The path to success is contingent upon meeting specific criteria at every stage, with several points where candidates may be rejected.

Initially, applicants must submit an application and attend an initial qualifying interview. Those who fail to meet the basic qualifications at this stage are immediately rejected and not employed. Conversely, successful candidates proceed to take an aptitude test. Failing this test results in immediate termination of the application process. However, those who pass are hired on a six-month probationary basis.

Following the probation, employees undergo a six-month evaluation. This final assessment determines the candidate's future with the company. If the employee is recommended, they are offered a permanent position. If they are not recommended, their employment is terminated. Thus, the process ensures that only those who successfully navigate all assessments and the probationary period secure long-term employment at the corporation.

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

How to write about process diagrams

sequential
following a logical order or a set sequence
contingent upon
dependent on or conditioned by something else
conversely
introducing a statement that reverses the previous one
probationary
a trial period to test suitability for employment
terminated
brought to an end or dismissed from employment
navigate
to successfully travel through or manage a process

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Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?

The hiring process at ACME Corporation is a multi-stage procedure that filters candidates through interviews, testing, and a probationary period before offering permanent employment.

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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