Academic Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Process diagram

Answer an IELTS Writing Task 1 process by identifying the start and end points, then describing each stage in order using sequencing words and the passive voice. Group stages into two or three paragraphs, avoid inventing reasons for steps, and finish with an overview stating the total number of stages and whether the process is linear or cyclical.

Sample task

The diagram below shows the process used to produce bottled mineral water. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

What the visual shows

The process of producing bottled mineral water, from underground extraction to distribution.

Stage 1: Water is drawn from an underground natural spring using an electric pump.
Stage 2: The extracted water is transported through sealed pipes to a filtration plant.
Stage 3: At the filtration plant, the water passes through a series of three filters to remove sediment and bacteria.
Stage 4: The filtered water flows into a sterilisation tank, where it is treated with ultraviolet light.
Stage 5: The sterilised water is pumped into a bottling machine, which fills empty plastic bottles automatically.
Stage 6: Each filled bottle is sealed with a cap and a label is attached showing the source and expiry date.
Stage 7: Labelled bottles are packed into cardboard boxes, with 24 bottles per box.
Stage 8: The boxes are loaded onto trucks and distributed to supermarkets and shops for sale.

How to structure a process diagram answer

1Paragraph 1: Paraphrase the prompt, stating that the diagram illustrates the stages involved in producing bottled mineral water from extraction to distribution.
2Paragraph 2 (Overview): State the total number of stages, note that the process is linear with a clear start and end point, and mention the two broad phases: production/treatment and packaging/distribution.
3Paragraph 3: Describe the extraction, transport, filtration and sterilisation stages in chronological order using passive constructions and sequencers.
4Paragraph 4: Describe the bottling, sealing, labelling, packing and final distribution stages, again in order, ending with the finished product reaching shops.

Band 9 sample answer

196 words

The diagram illustrates how mineral water is extracted, treated and packaged before being sold in shops, covering eight distinct stages from the underground source to the retail point.

Overall, the process is linear, moving in a single direction from natural extraction to commercial distribution, and it can be divided into two broad phases: the treatment of the raw water and the packaging and delivery of the finished product.

The process begins when water is drawn from an underground natural spring by means of an electric pump. It is then transported through sealed pipes to a filtration plant, where it passes through a series of three filters designed to remove sediment and bacteria. Following this, the filtered water flows into a sterilisation tank, in which it is treated with ultraviolet light to eliminate any remaining microorganisms. This marks the end of the treatment phase, after which the water is ready to be packaged.

In the second phase, the sterilised water is pumped into a bottling machine that automatically fills empty plastic bottles. Each bottle is then sealed with a cap, and a label showing the source and expiry date is attached. Once labelled, the bottles are packed into cardboard boxes, with 24 bottles placed in each box. Finally, these boxes are loaded onto trucks and distributed to supermarkets and shops, where the water becomes available for consumers to purchase.

Why this scores Band 9

Covers all eight stages accurately and in the correct chronological order
Clear overview identifies the linear structure and the two main phases before details are given
Wide range of sequencing devices and passive structures used appropriately
Cohesive paragraphing separates treatment stages from packaging and distribution stages

Useful language for a process diagram

Phrase	When to use it
The process begins when...	to introduce the first stage of the process
Following this, / After this, / Once this is done,	to link consecutive stages smoothly
is then transported/pumped/transferred to	to describe movement of material between stages
This marks the end of the... phase	to signal a transition between broad phases of the process
by means of	to describe the method or equipment used at a stage
Finally, / At the last stage,	to introduce the final step before the overview conclusion

Common mistakes

Incorrect: Describing stages using the active voice with an unspecified 'they', e.g. 'They put the water into bottles.'

Correct: Use the passive voice to focus on the process, e.g. 'The water is put into bottles.'

Incorrect: Listing every stage with no overview, so the examiner cannot see the overall shape of the process.

Correct: Add a clear overview stating the number of stages and whether the process is linear or cyclical before the details.

Incorrect: Adding invented explanations not shown in the diagram, e.g. explaining why UV light is used.

Correct: Only describe what is shown; state 'is treated with ultraviolet light' without adding unsupported reasons.

Frequently asked questions

What tense should I use for a process diagram?

Use the present simple passive throughout, since process diagrams typically describe a general, repeatable procedure rather than a specific past event.

Do I need an overview for a process diagram?

Yes, always include a brief overview, usually two sentences, stating the total number of stages and whether the process is linear, cyclical, or has multiple starting inputs.

How many paragraphs should a process answer have?

Four paragraphs work well: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that each cover a logical half of the process in chronological order.

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