Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The Operational Mechanism and Features of an Automatic Photo Booth: 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.
  • 181 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram below gives information about an automatic photo booth.

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

Automatic Photo Booth Operation
  1. 1.Insert coins
  2. 2.Sit on adjustable stool
  3. 3.Close curtain
  4. 4.Align eyes with eye level marker
  5. 5.Wait for light signal flash after 3 seconds
  6. 6.Photo delivered within 60 seconds

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 8181 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagram details the structural components and the step-by-step procedure for using an automatic photo booth. The booth is designed to produce either a single large-format photograph or a set of four passport-sized images, with the final product being delivered within 60 seconds.

To begin the process, the user must insert the required coins into the designated slot located on the exterior of the booth. Once payment is processed, the user enters the booth and sits on an adjustable stool. It is essential for the user to ensure the curtain is fully closed before commencing the photography session. Inside, a mirror is provided to assist with positioning, and the user must align their eyes with the indicated eye-level marker.

Following the setup, the user must wait for a light signal to flash, which occurs after a three-second interval. The booth is capable of producing both colour and black-and-white images, although the instructions specify that passport photos should be in colour. Once the images are captured, the finished photographs are dispensed from the machine within a minute, completing the automated cycle.

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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.
  • sequential

    following a logical order or a set sequence

  • designated

    appointed or assigned for a specific purpose

  • commencing

    the act of beginning or starting something

  • interval

    a period of time between two specific events

  • dispensed

    distributed or provided from a machine or source

  • automated

    operated by machines rather than by humans

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The diagram illustrates the physical components and the sequential process required to operate an automatic photo booth to produce either a large format photo or four passport-sized images.

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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