Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of small-scale smoked fish production: 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 small-scale production of smoked fish.

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

  1. 1.Fish are prepared by cutting
  2. 2.Fish are soaked in salt and water for 30 minutes
  3. 3.Fish are boiled for 5 minutes
  4. 4.Fish are smoked in a vat with wood for 30 minutes
  5. 5.Yellow colouring is applied to the fish
  6. 6.Fish are packed into containers
  7. 7.Fish are transported by truck

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 diagram illustrates the various stages involved in the small-scale production of smoked fish. Overall, the process is comprised of eight distinct steps, starting from the initial preparation of the raw fish and ending with the transportation of the finished product to its final destination.

In the first stage, the fish are prepared by being cut. Following this, they are placed into a container filled with a mixture of salt and water, where they remain for 30 minutes. Once this soaking period is complete, the fish are boiled for 5 minutes. After boiling, the fish undergo a smoking process in a vat containing wood, which also lasts for 30 minutes.

Subsequently, the smoked fish are treated with yellow colouring to enhance their appearance. Once the colouring has been applied, the fish are carefully packed into containers. Finally, the packaged fish are loaded onto a truck, which signifies the end of the production cycle as the goods are transported away. The entire procedure is a linear sequence that transforms raw fish into a commercially ready, smoked, and coloured product through a series of timed treatments.

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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.
  • comprised of

    made up of or consisting of specific parts

  • subsequently

    happening after something else in a sequence

  • signifies

    to be a sign of or indicate something

  • linear sequence

    a series of events following a straight line

  • procedure

    a series of actions conducted in a order

  • illustrates

    to show or explain something using a diagram

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The production of smoked fish involves eight distinct stages, beginning with the preparation of the raw fish and concluding with the distribution of the final product.

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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