IELTS Task 1: Process Writing Mastery

📋 Understanding IELTS Process Writing

In IELTS Task 1, process diagrams show how something is made, works, or changes over time. You must describe these stages clearly and logically using academic language.

Task Achievement

Cover all stages shown in the diagram with appropriate detail and accuracy

Coherence & Cohesion

Use sequencing words and logical paragraph structure

Lexical Resource

Employ process-specific vocabulary and varied expressions

Grammatical Range

Use passive voice and complex sentence structures accurately

🏭 Case Study: Brick Manufacturing Process

The Brick Manufacturing Process
This diagram shows the seven main stages of brick production from clay extraction to final packaging.

🔑 Essential Language Features

🎯 Passive Voice in Process Writing

Process descriptions focus on what happens, not who does it. Use passive voice to maintain this focus:

Active: Workers extract clay from the ground.
Passive: Clay is extracted from the ground.

Active: The machine shapes the clay into bricks.
Passive: The clay is shaped into bricks.

📝 Process Writing Vocabulary Bank

Starting: Initially, First, To begin with, The process commences with

Continuing: Next, Then, Subsequently, Following this, After that

Simultaneous: Meanwhile, At the same time, Simultaneously, While

Concluding: Finally, Lastly, Eventually, In the final stage

Process Verbs: extract, filter, shape, heat, cool, package, transport

Equipment: digger, conveyor belt, kiln, mould, wire cutter, packaging machine

🎯 Exercise 1: Process Writing Principles

1. Which voice should predominantly be used in process writing?

Active voice to show who performs each action

Passive voice to focus on the process itself

A mixture of both active and passive voice

Future tense to describe what will happen

2. What is the ideal word count for IELTS Task 1?

At least 100 words

Exactly 150 words

At least 150 words, ideally 170-190

250 words like Task 2

3. How should you organize a process description?

Introduction, main stages in chronological order, optional conclusion

Compare advantages and disadvantages of each stage

Give your opinion about the process efficiency

Describe the most important stage first

🔄 Exercise 2: Build a Process Description

Drag the sentences below to create a logical process description:

The diagram illustrates the process by which bricks are manufactured.

Next, the clay is passed through a metal grid and water is added.

The shaped bricks are then placed in a drying oven for 24-48 hours.

Finally, the finished bricks are packaged and delivered.

Subsequently, the mixture is shaped into bricks using moulds and wire cutters.

Initially, clay is extracted from the ground using a digger.

Following this, bricks are fired in a kiln at 870°C-1300°C for 48-72 hours.

Introduction

First Stage

Second Stage

Third Stage

Fourth Stage

Fifth Stage

Final Stage

📝 Exercise 3: Active to Passive Transformation

Transform these active sentences into appropriate passive voice for process writing:

1. Workers extract clay from the ground.
Passive:

2. A machine passes the clay through a metal grid.
Passive:

3. Operators add water to create the proper consistency.
Passive:

4. The equipment shapes the mixture into individual bricks.
Passive:

5. Technicians fire the bricks at extremely high temperatures.
Passive:

🏆 Model Answer Analysis

📖 Band 8+ Sample Response

The diagram illustrates the manufacturing process by which clay is transformed into finished bricks ready for construction use. Overall, the process involves seven distinct stages, beginning with clay extraction and culminating in the delivery of packaged bricks.

Initially, clay is extracted from the ground using a mechanical digger. Next, the raw clay is passed through a metal grid to remove impurities, and water is added to achieve the appropriate consistency for molding. Subsequently, the prepared mixture is shaped into individual bricks using wire cutters and molding equipment.

Following the shaping stage, the formed bricks are placed in a drying oven where they remain for 24-48 hours to remove excess moisture. The dried bricks are then transferred to a kiln and fired at temperatures ranging from 870°C to 1300°C for a period of 48-72 hours. Finally, once the firing process is complete and the bricks have cooled, they are packaged and loaded onto delivery trucks for distribution to construction sites.

Word count: 171 words | Band Score: 8+

✍️ Your Turn: Write a Process Description

Task: Using the brick manufacturing diagram above, write your own 150+ word process description. Focus on using passive voice, sequencing words, and specific details.

Word count: 0

🎓 Key Takeaways

1

Use Passive Voice

Focus on the process, not the people performing it

2

Sequence Clearly

Use transitional words to show logical progression

3

Include Details

Mention specific temperatures, timeframes, and equipment

4

Structure Logically

Introduction → Main stages → Optional conclusion