IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Diagram

IELTS Writing Tip

This page illustrates an example of an IELTS process.

Occasionally you will have to desribe a process in the test instead of a graph.

Process diagrams appear less often in the IELTS writing task 1, but they are sometimes there so you need to be prepared if you do get one.

The most important part of it is being able to use the passive.

If you are unsure of how to use the passive voice or how it relates to process diagrams then before you do this IELTS process exercise, check out these lessons:

Passive Voice Grammar Lesson

But if you want a quick reminder, these are some basic rules you need to know: 

Quick Passive Overview

1) The passive is used for processes because the focus is on the action, not the person doing it. So the object is made the subject. 

Active = John takes the dog (object) for a walk every morning.

Passive = The dog (subject) is taken for a walk every morning.

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2) An active sentence is also made passive by adding the verb 'to be' and changing the current verb into the past participle

Active = John takes... 

Passive = The dog is (to be) taken (past participle)...

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3) Intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take an object) cannot be made passive: 

• The baby sleeps. 
• The dog barks loudly.
• The staff arrive at 8.30 am. 

This should follow the same format as any task 1:

1. Introduce the diagram
2. Give an overview of the main point/s
3. Give the detail

A process will have a number of stages that are in time order.  So you should start at the beginning, and describe each stage through to the last one.

In the example above, this is fairly clear. It begins with the digging of the clay, and ends with delivery.

Processes are not always this clear, and you may have to look more carefully to spot the beginning, and there may also be two things happening at the same time.

So it is important that you look at other sample processes to get a good understanding of how they can vary.

These are some common IELTS process diagram connectors:

To begin
Following this
Next
Then
After
After that
Before
Subsequently
Finally

 

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IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Diagram 1

The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building industry.

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IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Diagram 2

The diagram below gives information about the recycling of glass and plastic containers.

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