Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of transforming raw cocoa beans into finished 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.
  • 176 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram below shows the stages of processing cocoa beans.

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

Stages of processing cocoa beans
  1. 1.Picking
  2. 2.Whole beans
  3. 3.Drying
  4. 4.Pressing
  5. 5.Further pressing and Further refining
  6. 6.Cocoa cake and Industrial chocolate
  7. 7.Grinding and Final processing
  8. 8.Cocoa powder, Cocoa liquor, Finished chocolate products
  9. 9.Consumer and Industry

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 multi-stage process of transforming raw cocoa beans into various finished products for consumers and industry. Overall, the production cycle is divided into three main stages, starting from the initial picking of beans and ending with the distribution of final goods.

In the first stage, cocoa beans are picked and separated from their shells before undergoing a drying process. Following this, the beans move into the second stage, where they are pressed. This step serves as a branching point in the production line. One path involves further pressing, which results in the creation of cocoa cake. This cake is subsequently ground to produce cocoa powder for consumers and cocoa liquor for industrial use in cakes and drinks.

Alternatively, the second path from the initial pressing involves further refining, which produces industrial chocolate. In the third stage, this industrial chocolate is combined with sugar and undergoes final processing to create finished chocolate products. Ultimately, these final goods are made available to consumers, completing the manufacturing journey from raw agricultural material to retail-ready items.

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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.
  • culminating

    reaching the highest point or final stage of development

  • multi-stage

    consisting of several distinct phases or sequential steps

  • branching point

    a stage where a process divides into different paths

  • subsequently

    happening or coming after something else has occurred

  • alternatively

    representing another option or a different course of action

  • manufacturing journey

    the complete sequence of steps to create a product

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The process involves three distinct stages, beginning with the harvesting of raw beans and culminating in the production of various consumer goods and industrial ingredients.

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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