IELTS lesson · Writing

IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Diagram notesProcess diagrams: every stage, in order

Count the stages, then use the passive and sequencers so no step goes missing. This IELTS lesson is a deck of 11 visual cards from BandLadder's own study library, written and fact-checked by our team.
  • 11 cards
  • 3 cards free
  • PDF with any plan
  • Updated 30 September 2026

Original BandLadder material

What's inside

It teaches a 4-step method: count, overview, passive and sequence. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.

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The first 2 of 11 cards

Preview

  1. IELTSWriting · Task 1 · Process diagram

    One stage short

    the slip that breaks a process

    Stages are the main points of a process. Leave one out and it stops making sense.

    First, the wax is melted and filtered. Wicks are then fixed in the moulds, and the candles are left to set.where is the pour? Finally, they are trimmed and wrapped.

    Six stages on the diagram. Only five in the answer.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material1 / 11
  2. IELTSWriting · Task 1 · Process diagram

    Meet the diagram

    six stages, one direction

    Hollin Workshop: making beeswax candles
    StageDiagram labelDetail
    1Melt the waxWarm-water bath
    2FilterRemoves dirt
    3Fix the wicksCentre of each mould
    4PourWax into the moulds
    5SetLeft for 12 hours
    6Trim and wrapFinished candles

    Made-up diagram. ielts.org: include the most important points; minor details may be left out.

    © 2026 BandLadder · original material2 / 11
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11 cards

Contents

  1. 1One stage shortthe slip that breaks a processIn the preview
  2. 2Meet the diagramsix stages, one directionIn the preview
  3. 3Four moves for every processstages first, sentences secondFree account
  4. 4Moves 1-2: count, overviewsix stages, in and outWith a plan
  5. 5Move 3: label to passivethe wax is melted, not 'melt the wax'With a plan
  6. 6Move 4: link the stagesfirst, next, once this is done, finallyWith a plan
  7. 7Two slips to swappassive form, and every stageWith a plan
  8. 8Intro, overview, the stagesa Band 8-style answer, markedWith a plan
  9. 9Your turnsame diagram, three quick checksWith a plan
  10. 10Sequencers: a menuvary them, don't recite themWith a plan
  11. 11Save thisthe process checklistWith a plan

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FAQ

Is the Process diagrams: every stage, in order lesson free?+

The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.

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The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.

Who wrote this lesson?+

The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.

Is it for IELTS Academic or General Training?+

It is written for IELTS Academic.

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