IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Diagrams with Sample Answers

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

Talk to Expert Icon BlueTalk to Expert
View more
Raushan Kumar

Raushan KumarAssistant Manager Content

Updated on Nov 20, 2024 17:30 IST

In IELTS Writing Task 1, a process chart can also be tested. A process chart is a visual representation of a process illustrating a series of steps involved in completing a particular task or creating a product. The steps or stages are depicted through boxes or certain shapes in the 'process chart' on the IELTS exam for the Writing section which represents each stage. The stages are then connected by arrows that show the flow of the process. There are labels and/or texts in the boxes which explain what is happening at each step. The applicants will have to explain the process chart on task 1 based on the given image for this IELTS Writing section and summarise the details in a structured format in a formal report style. There are various process tasks, which can be categorized as either manual or natural processes. This IELTS Writing 1 Task is scored on similar guidelines as other tasks like Map Chart, Table Chart, and Graph Chart on Task 1 in Writing. We will discuss in detail about IELTS Task 1 Process Chart here. 

ielts writing task 1 process chart 

Q. How to attempt process chart questions?

A. There are multiple reasons why applicants attempting the IELTS Writing Task 1 question on the Process Chart can be tricky. But the Process Chart can be attempted based on the following parameters:

  • Analyze the chart: Carefully examine the diagram to understand the overall process and the individual stages involved.
  • Identify key features: Focus on the main steps and any important details like decisions, choices, or parallel processes.
  • Write a clear and concise report: In formal language and using academic vocabulary, describe the process from start to finish. Paraphrase information from the chart but avoid simply copying the text.
  • Organize your writing: Use sequencing words and phrases to maintain a logical flow. Divide your report into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific stage or group of related steps.
  • Maintain a minimum word count: Aim for at least 150 words.

This is the ideal way of tackling the task 1 process chart in the IELTS Writing section. Applicants can read how processes are defined and attempt samples accordingly. 

Q. Why is it important to understand process charts on IELTS Writing?

A. Understanding process charts is crucial for the IELTS Writing Task 1 because:

  • They are a common task type: Process charts appear frequently in the test, so being prepared to analyze and describe them is essential.
  • Test valuable skills: Analyzing a process chart requires strong comprehension, critical thinking, and the ability to translate visual information into clear written language.
  • Improve overall writing skills: By practising with process charts, you develop your ability to describe procedures logically and accurately, a skill essential for various writing tasks.

Q. How to write a process chart in IELTS?

A. Attempting a process chart on IELTS Writing Task 1 can be easy if the following steps are followed:

  • Analyse and understand the the image and see what is happening.
  • Put all the steps together and make a report of it.
  • Add a start and conclusion to the task 1 and add important pointers like details.

To understand how to go about the IELTS Writing section, sign up for our 1-month free online IELTS course conducted by British Council trained trainers and ace this section. 

How to Approach a Process Chart in IELTS Writing Section?

When the question comes up as to how to go about task 1 process chart, here is what applicants approach should be ideally:

  1. Understanding the Task

The first step is to analyze the type of process given in the task.

  • Identify steps or stages in logical order.
  • Note the arrows indicating direction and flow.
  • Pay attention to labels for each step.
  • Sometimes additional elements like timelines or branching paths are included.
  1. Planning the Response

After analyzing, it is essential to plan your response. Planning includes deciding on the content to be included in the structure. It is crucial to group similar data together and add sufficient connecting words to link the ideas.

  1. Writing about the Task

The content of the report needs to be divided into a three-paragraph structure. The introduction provides the paraphrasing and the overview of the task, whereas the body paragraphs consist of the content.

If your approach is correct, you will be able to ace the task 1 process chart in the IELTS Writing section. You can follow the above-mentioned approach as well to make sound decisions to attempt questions on task 1 process chart.

You can refer to the sample responses below, with a band score of 4.5 with a 7, along with the expert’s comments. 

Score Predictor

Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!

Share 12th Board, Percentage, english score
Get estimated scores or IELTS, TOEFL & PTE


Writing Task 1 - Process Chart Example

The diagram below shows the manufacturing process for making sugar from sugarcane.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Writing Task 1- Sugarcane Process

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Process Chart - Sample Response 1 - 4.5 Band Score

The diagram illustrates the manufacturing process of sugar from sugar cans , this process consist of seven steps from growing to staying and cooling

It takes almost 12-18 months of time period for sugarcane to grow in proper size and proportion

And it’s the longest time consuming step in the diagrams , later the farmer harvst the sugarcane’s 

Either by the manpowe which is very time consuming and slow process but cost effective for harvesting and another by the harvesting machines which are easy for harvesting and time efficient.

Overall after the harvesting is completed the next step is called crushing ,where the sugarcane is insert into their crushing machine where it extract the solid waste and the juice  which is remain

Is used for the further steps  which is purification of the juice by the limestone filter . Later on it is. Heated into the big jars on certain temperature units the juice convert into syrups, The last two step are very important this are the step where the sugar crystals are being separated from syrup by the centrifuge and dispatched to be stored in containers for drying and cooling process.


This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 4.5 score, here is the expert’s comment.

The candidate has covered the main features of the topic, but the description lacks clear paragraphing and logical organisation. There are several grammatical errors, and punctuation is often faulty. Additionally, the lack of cohesive devices, such as linking words, makes the text less coherent. The vocabulary used is adequate, but there are minor spelling errors (such as "sugar cane", "harvest", and "manpower"). 

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Process Chart - Sample Response 2 - 7 Band Score

The process illustrates the steps required for producing sugar from the sugar canes. Overall, the manufacturing of sugar consists of seven steps, and manpower is involved thus, it is a complex and time-consuming process.


In the first step, the process starts by growing the sugarcanes in proper size and proportion which takes almost 12-18 months, it is one of the highest time-taking steps in the the entire procedure. In the second step, the farmers harvest the sugarcanes either by using manpower which is time-consuming and slow process but cost-effective for harvesting or they use another method of using the harvesting machines which are easy to harvest and time efficient. After the harvesting is completed, the next step is called crushing, where the sugarcane is inserted into the crushing machine where the solid waste and the juice are extracted.


The obtained substance is then sent for the further step which is purification of the juice by the limestone filter method. Later on, it is heated into the big jars at certain temperature units and the juice is converted into syrups. The last two steps are very important these are the steps where the sugar crystals are separated from the syrup by the centrifuge method and dispatched to be stored in the containers for the drying and cooling process.


This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 7 score, here is the expert’s comment. 

The candidate has started with the appropriate paraphrasing in the first paragraph, with a clear overview. The content has been divided into the paragraphs appropriately making it both a coherent and cohesive response, although there is a repetition of vocabulary in the second paragraph. More linking words could have been added to connect the steps (followed by, post that, then, later). The vocabulary resource is sufficient to allow understanding but no skillful use of uncommon word choice, with repetition of some words.








Additional Tips for Process Chart

  • Language use: Using transition words like "first," "then," "next," "after that," and "finally" is crucial to showing the sequence of steps.
  • Details and Accuracy: Include all significant steps but don’t over-elaborate on minute details.
  • Timing and Practice: Aim to complete the task in 20 minutes and practice various process charts to improve speed and accuracy. 

Also, Check: IELTS Graph Writing Task 1 - Sample Questions and Answers







IELTS Writing Task 1 - Process Chart - FAQs

Q. What kind of process charts might appear in the test?

Q. The process charts tested on IELTS Writing task 1 could depict anything from a natural phenomenon (e.g., water cycle) to a man-made process (e.g., book publishing). 

Q. How much information should I include in my description for process chart on task 1?

A. In Task 1 of Writing on IELTS, applicants should focus on the key steps involved and the overall flow of the process. Don't get bogged down in minor details.

Q. Do I need to use specific vocabulary for process charts in IELTS Writing?

A. Yes, using transition words like "first," "then," "next," "after that," and "finally" is crucial to show the sequence of steps when writing the description in IELTS Writing Task 1's formal report.

Q. What are the starting and ending points of the process charts in Task 1 of Writing?

A. Identify the first action and the final outcome depicted in the process chart and then describe it. This way you will be able to explain better and get good IELTS band scores for Writing task 1. 

Q. Are there any branching paths or decision points to be covered in process charts?

A. Yes, some process charts might show alternative options or outcomes depending on certain conditions. If present, be sure to mention these while attempting process chart questions on task 1 of IELTS Writing.

Q. What symbols or icons are used in the process chart?

A. There are various types of symbold used in process charts tested on task 1 of IELTS Writing. Applicants must familiarize themselves with common symbols used in process charts like arrows, boxes, and diamonds, and mention their meaning when practicing writing process charts. 

Q. How should I structure my report on process charts?

A. For those who opt to attempt process charts in IELTS Writing Task 1 can structure their formal report in the following manner:

  • Start with an introduction paraphrasing the task and mentioning the process being described.
  • Briefly explain the overall purpose of the process.
  • Dedicate separate body paragraphs to describe each main stage of the process in chronological order.
  • Conclude by summarizing the key steps involved.

Q. What verb tenses should I use for describing process charts?

A. The present tense is typically used to describe a general process, while the present perfect tense might be used for processes that have already happened or are ongoing.

Browse universities abroad

Comments

(1289)

I am an associate professor in Physics and Awarded Ph.D. ( Tech) in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE). I am looking for Postdoctoral Position/ Course in Physics/Engineering on online /hybrid mode in prestigious universities abroad ( USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia etc.) / Indi

...more

Reply to Dr Jatindranath Gain

T

Tajkia Sultana

8 months ago

Hii, I want to complete my Bachelors in Malaysia from Bangladesh. But I am not understanding which books to choose for taking preparation as I want to take preparation at home.Pls help me to choose the best books and let me know if there is any free-student scholarship in Malaysia.

Reply to Tajkia Sultana

R

Rahul Singha

8 months ago

Hello Tajkia. I would highly recommend that you opt for books/ study material that is available on the official website of IDP - the conducting body of the IELTS exam. The books would have the latest syllabus and cover everything you would need to know to ace your IELTS exam.

T

TOM Titus

a year ago

Hi I have a query. I completed my 12th on 2017 and I been working from 2018 to 2023 can I get admission on Diploma course

Reply to TOM Titus

R

Rahul Singha

11 months ago

Hello Tom. Admission processes are university-specific. And since you have been working from 2018 to 2023 - this would only add to your resume as work experience. You can also look for assistance with university admissions from our counsellors here.

Hello shiksha I just finish my B A in political science. I want to study abroad now? Can I complete MA here. And then what kind of work will I get. I would be very happy if you answer. Thank you

Reply to Mustafijur molla

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Mustafijur. If you are looking for assistance with applying to universities abroad. Get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors and book a counselling session absolutely free, Click Here

51550871
Aditi

a year ago

Hi Shiksha Study Abroad, I have a query, I completed my bachelors in the year 2020 with first division, so can I apply on the basis of MOI?

Reply to Aditi

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Aditi. Thank you for writing in. A Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) is accepted proof of English proficiency. However, whether your preferred university/ college would be considering the MOI is something you will have to check. This is entirely at the discretion of the university and th

...more