Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of recycling waste paper into new usable paper products: 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.
  • 165 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

'The chart below shows the process of waste paper recycling.

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

  1. 1.Waste paper collection
  2. 2.Sorting by hand
  3. 3.Transportation
  4. 4.Cleaning
  5. 5.De-inking
  6. 6.Paper making machine

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 8165 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided flowchart illustrates the sequential stages involved in the recycling of waste paper. Overall, the process is a cyclical operation that transforms discarded paper materials into new, usable products through a series of mechanical and chemical treatments.

The process commences with the collection of waste paper from various sources, including public paper banks and commercial businesses. Once collected, the material undergoes a manual sorting phase, where the paper is graded and any unsuitable items are discarded. Following this, the sorted paper is transported to a paper mill for further processing.

Upon arrival at the mill, the paper enters the cleaning stage, which involves pulping the material and removing contaminants such as staples. Subsequently, the pulp undergoes a de-inking process to eliminate residual inks and glues. Finally, the cleaned and de-inked pulp is fed into a paper-making machine, which manufactures the final usable paper product. This systematic approach ensures that waste materials are efficiently repurposed, thereby reducing the need for raw materials in paper production.

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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

  • cyclical

    occurring in cycles or a repeating series

  • transforms

    makes a thorough or dramatic change in form

  • commences

    to begin or start a specific process

  • subsequently

    happening after something else in a sequence

  • repurposed

    adapted for use in a different way

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The recycling process consists of six distinct stages, beginning with the collection of waste paper and concluding with the production of new paper via a machine.

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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