Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

A diagram illustrating the global classification of various English language branches: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 process diagram question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about process diagrams.
  • 193 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram shows the relationship between a number of different languages.

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

The classification and geographical distribution of English language varieties
  1. 1.English
  2. 2.American English Branch
  3. 3.USA
  4. 4.Canada
  5. 5.British English Branch
  6. 6.West Indies
  7. 7.British Isles
  8. 8.Indian-Pakistan
  9. 9.Africa
  10. 10.Australasia
  11. 11.Far East

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.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8193 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagram illustrates the hierarchical classification of the English language, categorising it into two major branches: the American English branch and the British English branch. These primary categories are further subdivided into various regional and national dialects, reflecting the global spread of the language.

The American English branch is split into two main regions, the USA and Canada. The USA category encompasses several sub-varieties, including the Philippines, American Samoa, the West Coast, the Midwest, the North-East Coast, and the Southern region. Conversely, the Canadian branch is divided into two distinct linguistic groups: Anglophone Canada and Francophone Canada.

In contrast, the British English branch is significantly more diverse, branching into five main geographical areas: the West Indies, the British Isles, Indian-Pakistan, Africa, and Australasia, along with a Far East category. The West Indies includes Jamaica and Barbados, while the British Isles comprises Irish English, Welsh, and Scottish varieties. The Indian-Pakistan branch focuses on various forms of Indian English. Furthermore, the African branch is split into West Africa, East Africa, and Anglophones Africa, whereas the Australasia category includes Australia and New Zealand. Finally, the Far East branch is divided into Malay and Chinese varieties.

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Process diagrams

How to write about process diagrams: tips and vocabulary

  • →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.
  • hierarchical

    arranged in a series of levels or ranks

  • subdivided

    divided into smaller parts or smaller groups

  • encompasses

    includes or contains many different types of things

  • distinct

    clearly different or of a different kind

  • conversely

    in a way that is the opposite

  • comprises

    consists of or is made up of

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The diagram illustrates that English is divided into two primary branches, American and British, which further subdivide into numerous regional and national varieties across the globe.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

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 is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

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.

Keep practising

More process diagrams

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