IELTS Writing Task 1: how to describe a process diagram
Describe a process in order, from the first stage to the last, using the passive voice and sequencing words. Start with an overview saying how many stages there are and where the process begins and ends.
Structure
- Introduction: rewrite the question: "The diagram shows how..."
- Overview: "There are seven main stages, beginning with... and ending with..." Say if the process is natural or man-made, or a cycle.
- Details 1: the first half of the stages, in order.
- Details 2: the remaining stages.
The passive voice
Man-made processes focus on what happens, not who does it, so use the passive:
- "The beans are picked by hand and then dried in the sun."
- "Once the glass has been collected, it is sorted by colour."
Natural processes (the life cycle of an insect, the water cycle) usually use active verbs: "The larva grows for about two weeks."
Sequencing language
| Stage | Words |
|---|---|
| Start | first, to begin with, initially |
| Middle | next, then, after that, once this is done, at the following stage |
| Same time | meanwhile, while, at the same time |
| End | finally, eventually, in the last stage |
Tips
- Mention every stage, even briefly. Missing stages lower Task Achievement.
- Use the labels on the diagram, but change their form: "packaging" can become "the product is packaged".
- No opinions or reasons. Describe only what the diagram shows.