Lesson 2 :IELTS Writing Task 1 , Process Diagram
In IELTS Writing Task 1, you might encounter a process diagram, which requires you to describe a series of steps or stages involved in a process, often related to manufacturing, natural processes, or life cycles. Here’s a guide to help you effectively tackle this type of question:
Understanding the Task
A process diagram shows how something is made, used, or happens over time. You don’t need to explain why the process happens, but instead, describe each stage clearly and logically, ensuring you cover the entire process. This task measures your ability to explain complex information clearly, without personal opinions or unnecessary details.
Key Strategies
- Analyze the Diagram
Look closely at each step in the diagram. Identify the beginning and end, as well as any distinct stages in between. Take note of any arrows, which indicate the order of steps and flow of the process. - Group Information Logically
If the process has several distinct stages, such as preparation, processing, and packaging, try grouping information accordingly. This will make your writing clearer and easier for the examiner to follow. - Use Passive Voice
In process diagrams, the passive voice is often more suitable because the emphasis is on the actions rather than who performs them. For example, “The mixture is heated,” rather than “They heat the mixture.” - Use Sequencing Language
Use linking words to show the order of steps, such as first, next, then, after that, and finally. These words help your description flow logically. - Paraphrase the Question
Begin by paraphrasing the task prompt in your introduction. For example, if the question states, “The diagram shows the process of making chocolate,” you might start with, “The diagram illustrates the series of steps involved in the production of chocolate.” - Include Details and Key Vocabulary
Pay attention to specific vocabulary that relates to the process. If the process involves specific technical terms, use them appropriately, but avoid unnecessary detail.
Sample Structure
- Introduction
Briefly introduce the process by paraphrasing the question. - Overview
Provide a summary of the entire process in one or two sentences. This might include how many steps there are, the starting and ending points, or any notable stages. - Body Paragraph(s)
Describe the process in detail, following the sequence shown in the diagram. Split this into two paragraphs if the process has multiple stages.
Tips for Success
Practice with Different Diagrams: Familiarize yourself with diagrams related to both natural and industrial processes.
Avoid Excessive Details: Stay focused on the key stages and avoid minor or repetitive details.
Watch Your Word Count: Aim for at least 150 words but avoid over-explaining.
Following these strategies will help you effectively handle process diagrams in IELTS Writing Task 1, ensuring your response is clear, organized, and demonstrates good use of academic language.
EXAMPLE 1: Forecast in Australia
The diagram below shows how the Australian Bureau of Meteorology collects up- to-theminute information on the weather in order to produce reliable forecasts.
The figure illustrates the process used by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to forecast the weather.
There are four stages in the process, beginning with the collection of information about the weather. This information is then analysed, prepared for presentation, and finally broadcast to the public.
Looking at the first and second stages of the process, there are three ways of collecting weather data and three ways of analysing it. Firstly, incoming information can be received by satellite and presented for analysis as a satellite photo. The same data can also be passed to a radar station and presented on a radar screen or synoptic chart. Secondly, incoming information may be collected directly by radar and analysed on a radar screen or synoptic chart. Finally, drifting buoys also receive data which can be shown on a synoptic chart.
At the third stage of the process, the weather broadcast is prepared on computers. Finally, it is delivered to the public on television, on the radio, or as a recorded telephone announcement.
EXAMPLE 2: Brick manufactuting
At the beginning of the process, clay is dug from the ground. The clay is put through a metal grid, and it passes onto a roller where it is mixed with sand and water. After that, the clay can be shaped into bricks in two ways: either it is put in a mould, or a wire cutter is used.
At the fourth stage in the process, the clay bricks are placed in a drying oven for one to two days. Next, the bricks are heated in a kiln at a moderate temperature (200 – 900 degrees Celsius) and then at a high temperature (up to 1300 degrees), before spending two to three days in a cooling chamber. Finally, the finished bricks are packaged and delivered.
EXAMPLE 3 : Water cycle
The diagram below shows the water cycle, which is the continuous movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth.
The picture illustrates the way in which water passes from ocean to air to land during the natural process known as the water cycle. Three main stages are shown on the diagram. Ocean water evaporates, falls as rain, and eventually runs back into the oceans again.
Beginning at the evaporation stage, we can see that 80% of water vapour in the air comes from the oceans. Heat from the sun causes water to evaporate, and water vapour condenses to form clouds. At the second stage, labelled ‘precipitation’ on the diagram, water falls as rain or snow.
At the third stage in the cycle, rainwater may take various paths. Some of it may fall into lakes or return to the oceans via ‘surface runoff’. Otherwise, rainwater may filter through the ground, reaching the impervious layer of the earth. Salt water intrusion is shown to take place just before groundwater passes into the oceans to complete the cycle.
