Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of collecting and broadcasting Australian weather forecast information: 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.
  • 176 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram below shows how the Australian Bureau of Meteorology collects up-to-the-minute information on the weather to produce reliable forecasts.

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

Weather Forecasting Process
  1. 1.Collection of incoming information from satellites, radar, and drifting buoys
  2. 2.Analysis and forecasting using satellite photos, radar screens, and synoptic charts
  3. 3.Preparation of the broadcast using a computer system
  4. 4.Dissemination of information via TV newsreaders, radio, and recorded announcements

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 8176 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagram illustrates the systematic process employed by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to gather real-time weather data and generate accurate forecasts for public dissemination. Overall, the procedure is divided into three distinct phases: the collection of incoming information, the analysis and forecasting stage, and the final broadcast of the weather reports.

In the initial phase, raw data is gathered from three primary sources: satellites, radar stations, and drifting buoys. This information is then processed into three specific formats for analysis: satellite photos, radar screens, and synoptic charts. These tools are essential for meteorologists to interpret current weather patterns and predict future developments.

Once the data has been analysed, it is fed into a central computer system, which serves as the hub for preparing the final broadcast. Following this preparation stage, the information is disseminated to the public through three main channels: television newsreaders, radio broadcasts, and recorded telephone announcements. This streamlined workflow ensures that up-to-the-minute weather information is efficiently communicated to the Australian public through diverse media platforms, facilitating timely awareness of meteorological conditions.

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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.
  • systematic

    done according to a fixed plan or system

  • dissemination

    the act of spreading information to many people

  • facilitating

    making an action or process easier to perform

  • streamlined

    made more efficient by employing a simpler process

  • diverse

    showing a great deal of variety or difference

  • meteorological

    relating to the study of weather and climate

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The process involves a multi-stage flow starting from data collection via various instruments, followed by analysis and computer-based preparation, before final dissemination through multiple media channels.

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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