Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The step-by-step recruitment procedure at ACME Corporation: 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.
  • 192 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram below shows the steps in the hiring process at ACME Corporation.

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

Hiring process at ACME Corporation
  1. 1.Submit Application
  2. 2.Attend Initial Qualifying Interview
  3. 3.Meet Basic Qualifications
  4. 4.Do not Meet Basic Qualifications
  5. 5.Not Employed
  6. 6.Take Aptitude Test
  7. 7.Pass: Employed on Six-Month Probation
  8. 8.Failed: Not Employed
  9. 9.Six Month Evaluation
  10. 10.Recommended
  11. 11.Not Recommended
  12. 12.Permanent Position Offered
  13. 13.Not Employed

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 8192 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided flowchart illustrates the sequential stages involved in the recruitment process at ACME Corporation, starting from the initial application submission to the final offer of a permanent position.

Overall, the hiring process is a multi-stage procedure that filters candidates through interviews, testing, and a probationary period before offering permanent employment. The path to success is contingent upon meeting specific criteria at every stage, with several points where candidates may be rejected.

Initially, applicants must submit an application and attend an initial qualifying interview. Those who fail to meet the basic qualifications at this stage are immediately rejected and not employed. Conversely, successful candidates proceed to take an aptitude test. Failing this test results in immediate termination of the application process. However, those who pass are hired on a six-month probationary basis.

Following the probation, employees undergo a six-month evaluation. This final assessment determines the candidate's future with the company. If the employee is recommended, they are offered a permanent position. If they are not recommended, their employment is terminated. Thus, the process ensures that only those who successfully navigate all assessments and the probationary period secure long-term employment at the corporation.

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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

  • contingent upon

    dependent on or conditioned by something else

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses the previous one

  • probationary

    a trial period to test suitability for employment

  • terminated

    brought to an end or dismissed from employment

  • navigate

    to successfully travel through or manage a process

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The hiring process at ACME Corporation is a multi-stage procedure that filters candidates through interviews, testing, and a probationary period before offering permanent employment.

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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