Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The Procedure for University Entry for High School Graduates: 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.
  • 185 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram shows the procedure for university entry for high school graduates.

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

  1. 1.Obtain High School degree
  2. 2.Complete Application Form (Download from website)
  3. 3.Compile Documentation
  4. 4.Send to Admin
  5. 5.Provisional Acceptance (more documentation required)
  6. 6.Rejection
  7. 7.Cancel Application
  8. 8.Complete Application for Alternative Course
  9. 9.Acceptance Compete Enrolment
  10. 10.Select Subjects
  11. 11.Register with Dean
  12. 12.Enter University

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 8185 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided flowchart illustrates the sequential steps required for high school graduates to gain admission into a university. Overall, the process is linear but incorporates several decision points that can lead to alternative outcomes depending on the administrative assessment of the application.

To begin, candidates must obtain their high school degree and download an application form from the university website. Once the form is completed and documentation is compiled, the application is submitted to the administration. Following a two-week assessment period, the administration provides a response. If the application is rejected, the candidate must either cancel their application or complete an application for an alternative course.

Conversely, if the applicant receives a provisional acceptance due to insufficient documentation, they are required to re-compile the necessary paperwork and resubmit it to the administration. Upon successful acceptance and completion of enrolment, which also takes two weeks, the student proceeds to select their subjects and register with the dean. The final stage of this academic journey is the official entry into the university. This structured procedure ensures that all candidates meet the necessary requirements before commencing their studies.

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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

  • linear

    arranged in or extending along a straight line

  • decision points

    specific stages where a choice must be made

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses a previous one

  • commencing

    beginning or starting an activity or event

  • illustrates

    explains or makes something clear using visual aids

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The process involves several stages starting from obtaining a high school degree and ending with university entry, with specific pathways for provisional acceptance, rejection, or alternative course applications.

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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