IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Diagrams
Study Guide & Practice Module
🎓 Strategy & Band 9 Vocabulary
The Golden Rule: Process diagrams require the Passive Voice (e.g., "is produced" not "produces") because the action is more important than who is doing it.
Essential Vocabulary
- The process commences with...
- Subsequently / Following this...
- In the subsequent stage...
- Once this step is complete...
- Finally / Eventually...
- Is converted into...
- Undergoes a process of...
- Is transformed into...
- Is processed to remove...
- Is shaped / moulded into...
- Is transported to...
- Is passed through...
- Is transferred to...
- Is placed into...
- Is routed via...
Structure Tip:
1. Intro: Paraphrase the question.
2. Overview: Mention the number of stages and where it starts/ends. (e.g., "Overall, there are seven stages, beginning with digging and ending with delivery.")
3. Body: Detail the steps sequentially using the vocabulary above.
Brick Manufacturing
The diagram below shows the process by which bricks are manufactured for the building industry.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Model Answer (Band 9.0)
~160 wordsThe flow chart illustrates the various stages involved in the manufacturing of bricks for the building industry.
[Overview] Overall, the process consists of seven distinct stages, beginning with the excavation of the raw material (clay) and ending with the packaging and delivery of the finished products. The process involves a combination of manual labour and machinery, utilizing heating and cooling techniques to harden the bricks.
[First Half] First, clay is dug up from the ground using a large digger. This raw material is then passed through a metal grid to filter out large chunks, after which it is crushed by a roller. Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and the mixture is either pushed through a wire cutter or placed into moulds to form the brick shapes.
[Second Half] Once shaped, the bricks are placed in a drying oven for 24 to 48 hours. The dried bricks are then transferred to a kiln where they are fired at temperatures ranging from 200°C to 980°C. After the heating process, the bricks enter a cooling chamber for 48 to 72 hours. Finally, the finished bricks are packaged and transported by truck to their destination.