Key takeaways
- A process diagram shows stages in order, so describe them in order and do not add opinions.
- Begin with an overview: how many stages there are and where the process starts and ends.
- Use the passive voice and sequence words, such as first, then, after that and finally.
- Group related stages so the answer reads as a flow, not a list.
Process diagrams appear regularly in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. They can be natural processes, such as the life cycle of an insect, or man made ones, such as recycling or manufacturing. Many candidates find them easier than graphs because there are no numbers to compare, but they lose marks by listing steps without an overview or by using the wrong grammar.
A simple structure
- Introduction: paraphrase the task in one sentence, for example 'The diagram illustrates how used paper is recycled into new paper.'
- Overview: say how many stages there are and how the process begins and ends.
- Body paragraph 1: describe the first half of the stages in order.
- Body paragraph 2: describe the second half, ending with the final product or stage.
Grammar that fits processes
Man made processes are usually described in the passive voice, because the focus is on what happens to the material, not on who does it: 'The paper is sorted', 'The pulp is cleaned'. Natural processes, such as a water cycle, often use the active voice: 'Water evaporates from the sea'. Use the present simple tense for both, because the process happens regularly.
Sequence language
| Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|
| Starting | First, To begin with, The process begins when |
| Continuing | Then, Next, After that, Following this, Subsequently |
| At the same time | Meanwhile, At the same time, Simultaneously |
| Ending | Finally, Lastly, The final stage is |
| Joining two stages | Once the pulp has been cleaned, it is pressed |
A short example
Suppose the diagram shows paper recycling in seven stages: collection, sorting, pulping, cleaning, bleaching, pressing and drying. A strong overview would be: 'Overall, recycling paper involves seven stages, beginning with the collection of used paper and ending with rolls of new paper.' The body paragraphs then take the reader through the stages in order, joining related steps: 'Once the paper has been sorted and other materials removed, it is mixed with water to form a pulp.'
Common mistakes
- Leaving out the overview, which is required for a high Task Achievement score.
- Copying the labels from the diagram word for word. Paraphrase where you can, but keep technical terms.
- Adding reasons or opinions that the diagram does not show.
- Writing a list of short sentences instead of linking stages with sequence language.
- Writing well over 150 words and losing time for Task 2.
Practise on the process questions in our IELTS Writing practice tests, including the paper recycling and glass bottle tasks, and read the general guide to writing a Task 1 overview. For accuracy, see complex sentences for IELTS Writing.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use the passive voice for every process?
Use it for man made processes, where the focus is on the material. Natural processes usually read better in the active voice.
Do I need a conclusion?
No. A clear overview near the start is more important. You can add one short closing sentence if you have time.
How do I describe a cycle?
Show that it repeats: 'The cycle then begins again'. Mention the number of stages in the overview.
Can I change the order of the stages?
No. Follow the order in the diagram, but you can group stages into two paragraphs.