Task 1 (Academic) visuals - Processes and diagrams

Learning Outcomes

After reading this article, you will be able to describe processes and diagrams effectively for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. You will understand how to present and sequence each stage, use clear passive and sequencing structures, and identify the required language for different diagram types. You will gain the skills to approach any process or cyclical diagram in the exam with confidence and accuracy.

IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus

For IELTS, you are required to explain visual information about processes or diagrams in Task 1 Academic Writing. For revision, focus on these key syllabus points:

• Describe each stage of a process or the changes shown in a diagram using accurate sequencing.
• Use passive voice where the agent is unknown or not relevant.
• Include an overview summarising the process or major changes.
• Identify and use appropriate language for different diagram types (linear, cycle, changes over time).
• Avoid introducing irrelevant information or external knowledge.

Test Your Knowledge

Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.

1. What verb form is usually used in IELTS process diagrams when the person is not specified?
2. In a process with multiple steps, what is the purpose of sequencing words like "then" and "after that"?
3. If a diagram shows the same location before and after construction, is this best described as a process or as a diagram showing change?
4. What should your overview for a process diagram include?

Introduction

In the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you may be given a process or a diagram to describe. These visuals test your ability to explain how something works or develops, or to describe changes to places or objects over time. Your answer must summarise the main stages and use logical language to link each step clearly for the examiner.

Key Term: Process Diagram
A visual showing the sequence of actions, changes, or events, often with arrows, illustrating how something is produced, develops, or operates.

Key Term: Passive Voice
A grammatical structure where the action is emphasized rather than the person performing it. Used when the agent is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.

Key Term: Sequencing Language
Words or phrases such as "first," "next," "then," and "finally" which show the order of steps in a process or sequence.

Types of Task 1 Visuals: Processes and Diagrams

IELTS Academic Task 1 processes include several common diagram types:

• Linear/step-by-step processes (e.g., how coffee is manufactured)
• Cycles (e.g., the water cycle or life cycle of a butterfly)
• Before-and-after diagrams (e.g., map changes over time)
• Object or mechanism descriptions (e.g., how a machine works)

Your answer must include:

• An introduction (paraphrasing the question)
• An overview (main features/stages)
• Clear description of each significant stage/change in sequence

Describing a Linear Process

A linear process shows a series of actions or changes that happen in a fixed order from start to finish. Your answer must use sequencing language and passive voice when the performer is not specified.

Key Term: Overview
A one- or two-sentence summary in Task 1 that outlines the most important features, stages, or outcomes shown by the diagram.

Describing a Cycle Diagram

A cycle diagram has no fixed start or end. Each stage leads smoothly into the next. Use sequencing language to show continuity and, if necessary, the present simple passive to describe ongoing actions.

Describing Diagrams Showing Change

When the visual is a map or image comparing "before and after" or "past and present," describe and compare the location and development of key features. Use clear spatial language (e.g., north, adjacent to) and focus on significant changes.

Key Term: Spatial Language
Vocabulary and phrases used to describe the position or relationship of features on a diagram or map.

Core Language for Processes

Most process diagrams require you to:

• Use the passive for steps with unknown agents: "The beans are roasted at 200°C."
• Sequence steps: "First, the beans are washed. Next, they are dried."
• Include reference to input, output, and any cyclical return stages.
• Avoid including information not shown in the diagram.

For diagrams showing location change, use:

• Clear referencing for positions (north, south, adjacent, near)
• Passive voice for developments by unspecified agents

Worked Example 1.1

Diagram description:
The diagram shows the stages in the production of glass bottles.

Task:
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Model Answer:

The diagram illustrates the process by which glass bottles are manufactured. Overall, the process involves three main stages: creating glass from raw materials, forming bottles, and quality checking.

First, raw materials including sand, soda ash, limestone, and recycled glass are mixed together and heated in a furnace at over 1000°C until they melt. Next, the molten glass is shaped into bottle forms using special moulds. After cooling, the bottles are removed from the moulds and then pass through an inspection and quality control stage. Finally, bottles that pass inspection are packaged and sent for distribution.

Answer:
This answer employs sequencing language, uses the passive appropriately, and includes an overview summarising the most important process stages.

Worked Example 1.2

Diagram description:
The diagram shows how waste paper is recycled.

Question: Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

Model Answer:

The diagram illustrates the procedure for recycling used paper. In the first step, waste paper is collected from homes and businesses, then transported to a paper recycling facility where it is sorted by hand. After that, it is cleaned to remove ink and unwanted materials, before being mixed with chemicals and water in a large tank. The resulting pulp is passed through rollers to remove excess water. Finally, the cleaned, pressed pulp is processed into new paper products and packaged for use.

Answer:
The process is clearly sequenced using linking words and the passive, and covers all key steps.

Exam Warning

A typical error is to write about every minor detail in the diagram or to copy labels word-for-word. Only include significant stages, summarise labels in your own words, and avoid speculation or explanation not present in the image.

Revision Tip

When describing a process, first write down the main stages and number them according to the order shown. Refer closely to arrows, direction, and stage links in the diagram to avoid missing or repeating steps.

Summary

Describing a process or diagram in IELTS Writing Task 1 involves:

• Paraphrasing the question in the introduction.
• Summarising the main stages or changes in an overview.
• Sequencing and reporting the key features, using passive forms where needed.
• Using suitable process and spatial language for visual clarity.
• Excluding irrelevant or speculative information.

Key Point Checklist

This article has covered the following key knowledge points:

• Identify and distinguish between process, cycle, and diagram visuals for IELTS Task 1.
• Use passive voice when the agent is unknown or irrelevant.
• Sequence process stages clearly with linking words.
• Structure answers with an introduction, overview, and logically ordered details.
• Use accurate spatial language for diagrams and maps.
• Focus only on features shown in the diagram.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Process Diagram
• Passive Voice
• Sequencing Language
• Overview
• Spatial Language