Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The structural design and operational process of a home smokery: 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.
  • 186 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram below describes the structure of a home smokery and how it works. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. --- Instructions: You are presented with a process diagram showing how something is made or works and must describe the stages in a logical sequence in at least 150 words. Assessment Criteria: Task Achievement (25%) - Presents a clear overview of the process - Describes all major stages in logical order - Provides accurate details from the diagram - Meets the 150-word minimum requirement Coherence and Cohesion (25%) - Logically organizes information in sequential order - Uses paragraphing effectively - Uses cohesive devices appropriately - Maintains clear progression throughout Lexical Resource (25%) - Uses appropriate vocabulary for describing processes - Shows flexibility and precision - Uses less common lexical items - Has minimal errors in word choice and spelling Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25%) - Uses a variety of sentence structures - Produces error-free sentences - Uses grammar and punctuation appropriately - Shows good control of grammar Tips for Process Diagram Description: - Start with an introduction describing what the diagram shows (what is being made/how it works) - Write an overview stating how many main stages there are and what the starting/ending points are - Describe each stage in sequential order - Use appropriate vocabulary for processes: - Sequence: "first", "initially", "to begin with", "the first step", "next", "then", "after that", "subsequently", "following this", "finally", "lastly", "in the final stage" - Passive voice: "is collected", "is processed", "is heated", "is mixed with", "is transported to", "is stored", "are combined" - Process verbs: "undergoes", "is subjected to", "is transferred", "is converted into", "is transformed into", "passes through" - Stages: "at this stage", "during this phase", "in the next step", "at this point" - Purpose: "in order to", "so as to", "to enable", "for the purpose of" - Be objective and factual - do not give opinions - Use present simple tense (passive voice is common) - Describe the process in a logical, step-by-step manner - Include specific details from the diagram (materials, equipment, temperatures, etc.) - Do NOT include information not shown in the diagram Typical structure: 1. Introduction: "The diagram illustrates the process of [making/producing X]" or "The diagram shows how [X] is made/produced" 2. Overview: "Overall, the process consists of [number] main stages, beginning with [first step] and ending with [final step]" 3. Body paragraphs: Describe stages in order, grouping related steps together

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

  1. 1.Fresh air enters through the lid into the first chamber
  2. 2.Air is heated in the second chamber by a fire fueled by wood
  3. 3.Smoke travels through a pipe into the third chamber
  4. 4.Smoke cures fish hanging in the box

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 8186 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagram illustrates the structural design and operational mechanism of a home smokery. Overall, the process comprises three primary stages, starting with the intake of fresh air and concluding with the curing of fish inside a box.

In the first stage, fresh air is drawn into the system through a lid located at the far left of the apparatus. This air then moves into the central chamber, which is the second stage of the process. Here, a fire is maintained using wood, which serves to heat the incoming air. The combustion process generates the smoke required for the subsequent phase.

Following this, the smoke is channelled through a pipe that connects the central fire chamber to the third stage, which is a box situated at the right side of the structure. Inside this box, fish are suspended from the top. As the smoke enters the box from the pipe, it rises to surround the fish, thereby curing them. The entire system is designed to facilitate a continuous flow from the air intake to the final smoking chamber, effectively transforming raw fish into a smoked product.

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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.
  • comprises

    consists of or is made up of

  • culminating

    reaching the highest point or final stage

  • subsequent

    coming after something in time or order

  • facilitate

    to make an action or process easier

  • channelled

    directed towards a particular end or object

  • suspended

    hanging from a support or attachment point

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The process consists of three distinct stages, beginning with the intake of fresh air and culminating in the smoking of fish within a dedicated box.

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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