IELTS Writing Task 1
Describing a Process
1. Analyse the diagram
What is it?
Where does it start?
Where does it finish?
Does it split?
2. Plan your answer
How to organise main body?
In stages or components/choices?
Name them.
3. Write your introduction
Sentence 1:
Rephrase the question – explain what the diagram/flowchart shows.
Use your own words
Some useful language:
The diagram illustrates the process of production of…
The flowchart represents the method of manufacture of…
shows the procedure for development of…
extraction of…
Sentence 2:
Explain the organisation of the diagram/flowchart, using the names you have given for the
stages/components.
Some useful language:
It requires (n) main stages, which are (name, name…)
It involves (n) main phases,
It consists of (n) main components,
It comprises (n) main directions,
It entails
4. Write the essay
Use this as a checklist:
Grading criterion Check ✔️
Task Achievement write at least 150 words
include introduction statement
include overview statement about stages/components
write clear description of process
don’t use long lists of equipment/steps
don’t write a conclusion – finish with last step
Range of vocabulary use suitable sequence language throughout
use purpose language where needed
consider varying order of steps for more use of vocab
Grammar use passive form where appropriate
keep your writing impersonal
never use imperative (order) form of verb
expand notes in diagram into full sentences
Coherence & cohesion write in full paragraphs, reflecting organisation of process
introduce stages/components at start of paragraph
without repeating vocabulary/structure
use complex sentences, linking with suitable vocabulary
Vocabulary
Introducing stages/components
The first stage of the process is (name)…
The second stage of the process entails/involves/comprises/consists of
With respect to the (name) stage…
As regards the (name) stage…
In the next phase of the process, …
During the (name) stage, …
Sequence Language
Firstly, Initially, At the beginning,
Secondly,
Then
Next,
Subsequently/Afterwards
After that,
Later,
Lastly, Finally, In the end,
until (then)
Once/As soon as/When
After/Following (this/that)
Before/Prior to (this/that)
after which
following which
before which
prior to which
Beforehand,
Previously,
to precede / to be preceded by
to coincide with
Simultaneously/At the same time/Meanwhile
Throughout (this time/stage/phrase/step)…
During (this time/stage/phase/step)…
Purpose Language
in order to
so as to
so that
with the intention of
Cause-Effect Language
as a result/consequence (of which)
…with the result that…
Verbs: causes/leads to/results in/brings about
Grammar for describing processes
Passive form
In most processes the agent (person/thing doing the verb) is not important, and therefore
the passive voice should be used:
e.g. (active form) The workers then glaze the cups.
(passive form) The cups are then glazed.
In processes, the present simple passive is usually used.
Why is it used?
…………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..
…………………………………………………………………..
How is it formed?
ACTIVE FORM
SUBJECT ACTIVE VERB OBJECT
They complete their applications.
PASSIVE FORM
SUBJECT VERB ‘TO BE’ (same tense, PAST PARTICIPLE of verb (BY AGENT)
form agrees with subject)
Their applications are completed (by them)
Sometimes, the agent is important…
e.g. Romeo and Juliet was written by Shakespeare.
But in processes, it is rarely used.
Some verbs cannot become passive forms. What’s the rule?
Identify which sentences below can be transformed into the passive.
1. The gardener plants the trees.
2. Fleming discovered penicillin.
3. The sales figures continue to grow.
4. She sang the national anthem at the rugby game.
5. The representative will give you some advice.
6. Canada geese fly south every winter.
7. Jon Watts directed the film ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’.
8. Someone decorates the chocolate.
9. She sings beautifully.
10. Some problems have occurred in the process.
Use of ‘having’ to replace subject
If the subject of 2+ verbs is the same in a sentence, the first action can be replaced by
‘having’, but the subject must be mentioned in the second clause
e.g. Having been baked and subsequently cooled, the bricks are then packaged.
Identify which sentences below are correct. Why/why not?
1. Having carried out the checks, the cups are ready for packaging.
2. Having marked the papers, the examiner sends them to the administrator.
3. Having placed the advertisement, the company awaits applications.
4. Having been poured into the vat, bleach is then added.
5. Having completed the application form, the candidate sends it to the company.
6. Having evaporated and risen through the pipe, the salt remains in the pot.
Task 1
The diagram below shows the process a company uses to recruit new employees. Describe
the process in at least 150 words.
Task 2
The diagram below illustrates what happens to an IELTS test after the candidate completes
it. Describe the process in at least 150 words
Task 3
