IELTS Exam Academic Writing Task 1: Process Diagram
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Talk to ExpertThis article specifically focuses on IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, where we have narrowed it down to the description of a process diagram. You can click on IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay) to read about it in detail. The IELTS Academic Writing section consists of two tasks.
IELTS Task 1 Writing: The Writing Section is one of the components of the IELTS test and has two tasks. IELTS Writing Task 1 is different for Academic and General Training tests, while IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay) is the same for both. This article specifically focuses on IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, where we have narrowed it down to the description of a process diagram. You can click on IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay) to read about it in detail.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
IELTS Task 1 Academic Writing
IELTS Academic Writing section consists of two tasks. Let us look at some of the details of Writing Task 1:
- The total time for the entire writing section is 60 minutes.
- Writing Task 1 is 1/3 of your total score on the writing section. This means that for Task 1 you will have approximately 20 minutes.
- In Academic Writing Task 1, you are supposed to write a summary on a given graph (bar graph/line graph/pie chart), table, or process. You are supposed to find the most important and relevant information given in the visual information and provide a coherent and organized summary/overview of the same
- You have to write a minimum of 150 words. Anything less than that will attract a penalty.
- The answer should be provided in full, and notes or bullet points will not be accepted.
Let us understand what all are the performance descriptors for Academic Writing Task 1:
- Task Achievement: This means how accurately and appropriately you have answered the question. The information that you put in your summary should be factually correct and should be based on the visual information. Any outside information that is not relevant, must not be provided.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ask yourself these questions:
- Does my summary make sense?
- Does my summary follow the process?
- Does it have clarity and fluency?
- How well have I linked the information and idea?
- Is there a flow in my language?
- Have I used proper cohesive devices such as connectors, conjunctions, etc.?
- Lexical resource: This refers to the range, accuracy, and appropriateness of vocabulary used.
- Grammatical range and accuracy: This deals with the range and accuracy of grammar on a ‘sentence level’.
IELTS Task 1 Process Diagram
Before we take up an Academic Writing Task 1 Sample, let us go through some of the key points that you should follow:
- Even though you will not be penalized for writing more than 150 words, make sure that you do not write a very long summary. Else, you will fall short of time for Task 2.
- You must write in an academic or neutral style.
- Make sure that you include all the important information and key features of the process diagram.
- Your response should be relevant and should address the topic. Do not include any irrelevant and off-topic details.
- Make sure to use the sequencers. They will help the examiner understand the flow of the process. Some of the sequencers are mentioned below:
- First of all / The first step is / The first stage is
- Next / In the next step
- Then
- After that
- Finally / In the final step / In the final stage
- Once we are done with this / After we are finished with this
Now that you have all the information about the Process Diagrams asked on Academic Writing Task 1, let us look at the steps of answering the question:
Step 1: Analyse the diagram and understand the key information
- Where is the start? Where is the end?
- How many stages are there?
- Is it a cyclic process or a linear process?
- What is the result?
- Can I break the process into two parts? If yes, what steps come in part 1 and what steps come in part 2?
Step 2: Write an essay using the recommended essay structure
- Introduction: You must paraphrase the question and state the main key details or a summary of the main stages. We have provided an example of how paraphrasing is done.
- Body Paragraph 1 = Describe the first half of the process or the processes that occur together
- Body Paragraph 2 = Describe the second half of the process or the processes that occur together
Check: How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities 2023
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample: Process Diagram
Sample Question: The diagram below shows the steps in the process of manufacturing yoghurt. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.
Sample Answer:
The flow chart illustrates the procedure for making yoghurt. Overall, the procedure has eight steps that can be grouped into four stages: preparing the milk, preparing a milk-yoghurt mix, mixing all the ingredients, and setting the yoghurt.
First, the milk is heated to 90 degrees Celsius. The hot milk is then allowed to cool to a moderately warm temperature. In the second stage, a milk-yoghurt mix is prepared by mixing some cold milk and old yoghurt. This mixture is whisked until it becomes smooth and does not have lumps. Subsequently, in the third stage, the whisked mixture is poured into the warm milk that was obtained in the first stage.
The final stage involves setting the yoghurt. The mixture is wrapped in a cloth to maintain a slightly warm temperature and is allowed to be set for nearly five hours. Finally, the yoghurt is cooled and stored at a cold temperature.Check: IELTS Indicator: All you need to know
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample: Pie Chart
Given below is IELTS Writing Task 1 Pie Chart sample.
Sample Question: The pie charts below show the comparison of different kinds of sources of energy consumed in India in two years. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Sample Answer:
The two pie charts illustrate the proportion of six sources of energy in the overall Indian energy basket.
In both years, more than 80% of India’s energy needs have been met by three sources that include coal, oil, and biomass. Irrespective of a 10% decline, coal has remained the largest single fuel in the energy mix. The contribution of oil, to overall energy consumption, has remained constant at 25%. However, the contribution of biomass in the overall energy basket has halved from 26% in 2000 to 13% in 2020.
The contribution of natural gas, to overall energy consumption, has increased marginally from 5% in 2000 to 6% in 2022. In addition, consumption of modern renewables has also seen a marginal rise from 1% in 2000 to 3% in 2022.
Read More: IELTS Test Dates 2024
IELTS Task 1 Writing FAQs
Q. What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2?
Q. What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 academic and IELTS Writing Task 1 general training?
Q. What if I write less than 150 words on IELTS Task 1 writing?
Q. What if I write more than 150 words on IELTS Task 1 writing?
Q. What are the scoring criteria for IELTS Task 1 writing?
Aishwarya is a professional Writer currently working as a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. She has over 5 years of experience and is skilled at creating Online Content with leveraged knowledge i... Read Full Bio
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in USA1037 Universities
- Universities in Canada174 Universities
- Universities in Australia122 Universities
- Universities in Ireland32 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae