In the IELTS Writing Task 1, candidates are asked to describe a chart or diagram. This could be a bar chart, a map, or a process/diagram. Among these, the Process/Diagram task is generally considered more straightforward, yet many candidates overlook its importance and fail to prepare effectively.
Let’s explore the Writing Task 1 Process question in detail, along with step-by-step strategies and high-scoring vocabulary.
1. Overview of the Two Process Types in Writing Task 1
Man-made Process
This type describes a production or manufacturing process influenced by human intervention. Diagrams in this category typically use passive voice to detail each stage.
Natural Process
This type requires the description of a natural phenomenon (e.g. rainfall formation, water cycle) or an animal lifecycle (e.g. butterfly or frog lifecycle, how cows produce milk). Unlike man-made processes, natural processes are self-driven and described using active voice.
2. Strategy for Writing Task 1 Process/Diagram
To understand the task and organize your ideas effectively, follow these five steps:
Step 1: Understand the process
Identify the starting and ending points. Ask yourself:
How many stages are there? What is their order?
Is it a man-made or natural process?
What happens in each stage?
How are the stages connected?
Step 2: Paraphrase the task
Rewrite the given prompt in your own words using different vocabulary and structure.
Step 3: Write an overview
Write two general sentences summarizing the process. A strong overview is key to achieving a high band score. Mention how the process begins and ends.
Step 4: Organize the body paragraphs
Cyclical processes: Follow the numbering in the diagram.
Linear processes: If numbered, follow that order. If not, base your division on logical stages.
Step 5: Analyze each stage
Include the subject, action, object, purpose/reason, result, and comparisons if applicable.
Step 6: Proofread your writing
Check for grammar, spelling, and sentence structure errors.
3. How to Write IELTS Writing Task 1 Process
Introduction
Begin by paraphrasing the task prompt. Use your own sentence structure and avoid repeating phrases from the question.
Useful structures:
The chart/diagram (shows/describes/illustrates) how...
The production of...
The process of producing/making...
How...is produced/made
Show how to produce/make...
At the first stage of...
Overview
Identify key features or stages and summarize the process briefly.
Useful structures:
There are...main stages in the process, beginning with... and ending with...
The...involves...main steps, starting with... and finishing with...
This flow chart provides an overview of...
Body Paragraphs
Divide the description into two paragraphs.
Body 1: Early to middle stages
Body 2: Later to final stages Use sequencing connectors to describe each step logically.
Types of processes:
Circular: No fixed starting point, use numbering to guide structure
Linear: Use numbers or logical steps to divide content
Useful connectors:
Firstly, Secondly, Finally
Once, When
Before, After
Followed by
Example (based on a salmon lifecycle diagram):
The diagram describes how salmon grow from eggs to mature individuals. Overall, there are three main stages in the life cycle of salmon starting with salmon eggs in the upper river and the complete cycle lasts for about 10 years. Firstly, salmon begin life as eggs in the slow-moving upper river, surrounded by reeds and pebbles. These eggs hatch in 5–6 months into fry, which are 3–8 cm long. The fry move downstream and stay in the lower river for 4 years until they become smolt (12–15 cm). Next, smolts migrate to the sea. After around 5 years, they grow to 70–76 cm and return to their birthplace to lay eggs, completing the cycle.
4. High-Scoring Vocabulary for Writing Task 1 Process
Use specific verbs and connectors to improve your lexical resource and cohesion.
4.1. Vocabulary to Describe Chart Types
Vocabulary | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Create | To make or develop | What kind of games do you create? |
Produce | To manufacture | These plants produce thin roots. |
Make | To create | I made a few phone calls. |
Distribute | To deliver | Europe must distribute the burdens fairly. |
Move | To change location | I moved to Boston last spring. |
Natural | Related to nature | Naturally, I get upset when things go wrong. |
Human-produced | Made by people | The material is 100 percent human-produced. |
Man-made | Artificial | The man-made fiber is soft and comfortable. |
Cyclical | Repeating process | That is a cyclical process. |
Linear | One-directional | The diagram shows a linear production process. |
4.2. Vocabulary for Describing Steps
Vocabulary | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
First/Firstly | First step | First, the process starts with design. |
Second/Secondly | Second step | Second, the production begins. |
After/Afterwards | Next step | Afterwards, the goods are packed. |
Next | Following step | Next, delivery begins. |
Later/Subsequently | Then | Later, the product is tested. |
Finally/Lastly | Final step | Finally, the items are shipped. |
Meanwhile | Simultaneous action | Meanwhile, other machines are checked. |
Step | A phase in a process | She took a few steps forward. |
While/During | Simultaneous action | She swims every day during the summer. |
4.3. Vocabulary for Cycles and Repetitions
Vocabulary | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Continues indefinitely | Goes on forever | Might it be possible to prolong life indefinitely? |
Cycle | A repeating process | Life follows a natural cycle. |
Repetition | Repeat occurrence | I didn’t want a repetition of that scene. |
Loops | Repeating sequences | The command loops through the files. |
Recurs | Happens again | Leap year recurs every five years. |
4.4. Vocabulary for Natural Processes
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
To lay eggs | Reproduce |
To hatch | Emerge from eggs |
To feed on | Consume food |
To grow in size | Increase in size |
To shed old skin | Molt |
To migrate | Move locations |
To undergo changes | Transform |
To evaporate | Turn into vapor |
To condense | Turn into liquid |
A certain period of time | Fixed time frame |
Between... and... days/months/years | Time range |
In the space of only | Limited time span |
A few days later | Soon after |
4.5. Vocabulary for Man-made Processes
Vocabulary | Meaning |
|---|---|
To be picked | Collected manually |
To be harvested | Gathered from fields |
To be dried in the sun | Sun-dried |
To be cleaned | Washed or purified |
To be put in something | Placed inside |
To be fermented | Undergo fermentation |
To be molded | Shaped or cast |
To be frozen | Preserved by freezing |
To be separated | Divided |
To be mixed with something | Combined |
To be crushed | Broken into pieces |
To be delivered/transported | Moved to a location |
To be packaged | Wrapped or boxed |
To be sold | Offered for purchase |
Boost Your Score in IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Questions
With a strong understanding of process diagrams, structured writing techniques, and a wide range of vocabulary, you can tackle this task with confidence. Explore more practice strategies and expert tips in IDP's IELTS resource hub.
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