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IELTS Writing Task 1: Cycle Diagram with
Sample Answer
August 2, 2012 (http://ielts-academic.com/2012/08/02/ielts-writing-task-1-cycle-diagram-with-sample-
answer/) IELTSAcademic (http://ielts-academic.com/author/ieltsacademic/)
IELTS Writing Task 1: Question
A cycle diagram is a variation on the process diagram in which the process repeats itself. So
it’s a good idea to make that point in your answer.
The diagram below illustrates the carbon cycle in nature.
Write a 150-word description of this diagram for a university lecturer.
© The National Center for Atmospheric Research
IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer
The diagram shows how carbon moves through various stages to form a complete cycle.
This report will give a brief description of the main stages in this cycle.
First, we can see that energy from the sun is transformed into organic carbon through a
process in plants known as photosynthesis. This organic carbon is then transferred
underground when plants, and the animals that feed on them, die and decay. Some of this
carbon is trapped underground in the form of fossils and fossil fuels.
Carbon is also released back into the atmosphere, however, through various means. One is
when animals and plants respire, and another is when humans burn fossil fuels in cars and
factories. All this carbon enters the atmosphere as CO2. It is then reabsorbed by plants, and
the cycle begins again.
Overall, we can see that carbon moves in a natural cycle, although human factors may now
be affecting the balance.
(154 words, IELTS 8.0)
Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?
Task achievement: The model answer selects and describes most components of the cycle
diagram except for waste products and ocean uptake. There is an overall description of the
cycle followed by a clearly sequenced and divided description of the stages. The summary
identifies something noteworthy about the diagram. The length is sufficient.
Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs with a logical
separation between the body paragraphs and connective markers first, then, however, and
overall. There is a general overview in paragraph 1 and a summary in paragraph 4.
Referencing techniques such as ellipsis (one is…) are used to avoid over-repetition of key
words.
Lexical resource: The writer makes good use of the language in the cycle diagram and is
also able to change forms in the case of respiration > respire. The writer also introduces a
range of verbs for describing a process or cycle such as transform, transfer and release.
Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer uses a wide range of forms
accurately including countable/uncountable nouns, active/passive structures, and
transitive/intransitive verbs.
Teacher’s Notes
Cycle diagrams are almost always natural processes: nature is one
big wheel after all. Usually you will find that the labels on the
diagram contains lots of unfamiliar scientific nouns. If you think you
know the verb forms, then use them as this will definitely contribute
to a higher score. Otherwise you’ll have to rely on phrases such as
“in a process known as Animal Respiration”.
