🎯 Objective
To help learners master the essential skills needed to accurately complete flowcharts in IELTS Reading tests, focusing on understanding processes, sequences, and cause-effect relationships.
🔄 Understanding Flowchart Completion Questions
These questions test your ability to understand processes, sequences, and relationships between different stages or elements described in the reading passage.
| Key Feature | Description | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Word Limits | Usually "NO MORE THAN TWO/THREE WORDS" | Count words carefully, use passage words exactly |
| Sequential Order | Answers follow passage order | Scan through passage systematically |
| Process Focus | Shows steps, stages, or cause-effect chains | Look for sequence markers and transitions |
| Visual Layout | Boxes connected by arrows showing flow | Follow the arrow direction and logic |
📚 Complete Guide: Mastering Flowchart Completion
Understanding Flowchart Components
What are flowcharts in IELTS? Visual representations of processes, cycles, or systems that show the relationship between different stages or elements.
🔄 Process Flowcharts
Show step-by-step procedures
Example: Manufacturing processes, scientific procedures
Key words: first, then, next, finally, after, before
🎯 System Flowcharts
Show how components interact
Example: Organizational structures, biological systems
Key words: connected to, leads to, results in, causes
🔁 Cycle Flowcharts
Show repeating processes
Example: Life cycles, natural processes
Key words: cycle, repeat, return, continuous
Step-by-Step Completion Strategy
Step 1: Analyze the Flowchart (2 minutes)
- Read the title and labels to understand the process
- Follow the arrow directions to understand the flow
- Identify the starting and ending points
- Count the gaps to fill and note word limits
Step 2: Locate the Relevant Passage Section (3 minutes)
- Scan for key words from the flowchart
- Look for process indicators (first, then, next, finally)
- Find the paragraph(s) describing the process
- Mark the beginning and end of the relevant section
Step 3: Fill Gaps Systematically (8 minutes)
- Work through gaps in order (they follow passage sequence)
- Use exact words from passage (no synonyms)
- Check grammar and word limits
- Ensure answers make logical sense in the flow
Common Challenges and Solutions
✅ Effective Strategies:
- Follow the arrows and logical sequence
- Use exact words from the passage
- Count words in your answers carefully
- Look for process language and sequence markers
- Check that answers fit grammatically
- Read the completed flowchart to verify logic
❌ Common Mistakes:
- Changing words from the passage
- Exceeding the word limit
- Jumping around instead of following sequence
- Using synonyms instead of passage words
- Ignoring grammar and sentence structure
- Missing connecting words (and, or, the)
Word Limit Guidelines:
"NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS": One or two words only
Articles count: "the company" = 2 words
Hyphenated words: "well-known" = 1 word
Numbers: "25%" = 1 word, "twenty-five" = 1 word
Process Language to Recognize
Sequence Markers:
Beginning: initially, first, to start, beginning with
Continuing: then, next, subsequently, after that, following this
Ending: finally, lastly, ultimately, in the end
Cause and Effect Language:
Causes: leads to, results in, causes, brings about, triggers
Effects: as a result, consequently, therefore, thus
Conditions: if, when, provided that, in case of
Process Verbs:
Actions: process, transform, convert, produce, generate
Movements: flow, move, transfer, transport, direct
Changes: change, alter, modify, adjust, adapt
📄 Reading Passage: Solar Panel Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing of solar panels involves a complex multi-stage process that transforms raw silicon into efficient photovoltaic cells capable of converting sunlight into electricity. The entire procedure typically takes several weeks to complete and requires precise control at each stage.
The process begins with the purification of silicon, which is initially extracted from quartz sand. The raw silicon undergoes a chemical treatment using hydrochloric acid to remove impurities, creating what is known as metallurgical-grade silicon. This material is then further refined through the Siemens process, where it is heated to extremely high temperatures of over 1000°C in the presence of hydrogen gas. The result is ultra-pure polysilicon, which serves as the foundation for all subsequent manufacturing steps.
Next, the polysilicon is melted in large furnaces and formed into cylindrical ingots through a crystallization process. These ingots are then cooled slowly over several days to ensure optimal crystal structure. Once solidified, the ingots are sliced into thin wafers using diamond wire saws. Each wafer measures approximately 180 micrometers in thickness and must be handled with extreme care to prevent damage.
The wafers then undergo a texturing process where their surfaces are etched using chemicals to create a rough texture that improves light absorption. Following this, a phosphorus diffusion process is applied, where the wafers are heated in a furnace containing phosphorus gas. This creates a negative charge layer on the surface, which is essential for the photovoltaic effect.
Subsequently, an anti-reflective coating is applied to minimize light reflection and maximize energy absorption. The coated wafers are then screened with silver and aluminum contacts using a precise printing technique. These metal contacts serve as electrical pathways for the current generated by the solar cell.
Finally, the individual cells are assembled into modules by connecting them with copper ribbons and encasing them between protective glass and backing materials. The completed modules undergo rigorous quality testing including electrical performance evaluation and weather resistance assessment before they are approved for commercial use. The entire process, from raw silicon to finished solar panel, demonstrates the remarkable transformation of basic materials into sophisticated renewable energy technology.
🔄 Complete the Solar Panel Manufacturing Flowchart
Instructions: Complete the flowchart below using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
✅ Answer Key & Detailed Analysis
1. "quartz sand"
Location in passage: "silicon, which is initially extracted from quartz sand"
Analysis: Direct match - the passage clearly states the raw material source.
2. "hydrochloric acid"
Location in passage: "undergoes a chemical treatment using hydrochloric acid to remove impurities"
Analysis: Exact phrase from the passage describing the chemical used.
3. "Siemens process"
Location in passage: "further refined through the Siemens process"
Analysis: Specific technical process name mentioned in the passage.
4. "polysilicon"
Location in passage: "The result is ultra-pure polysilicon"
Analysis: Product of the refinement process as stated in the passage.
5. "cylindrical ingots"
Location in passage: "formed into cylindrical ingots through a crystallization process"
Analysis: Exact phrase describing the shape and form of the processed material.
6. "wafers"
Location in passage: "the ingots are sliced into thin wafers"
Analysis: Direct term for the sliced pieces of the ingots.
7. "texturing"
Location in passage: "The wafers then undergo a texturing process"
Analysis: Process name for surface treatment as mentioned in the passage.
8. "phosphorus diffusion"
Location in passage: "a phosphorus diffusion process is applied"
Analysis: Technical process name exactly as stated in the passage.
9. "anti-reflective coating"
Location in passage: "an anti-reflective coating is applied to minimize light reflection"
Analysis: Exact term for the coating applied to reduce reflection.
10. "silver and aluminum" or "silver and"
Location in passage: "screened with silver and aluminum contacts"
Analysis: Materials used for the electrical contacts (either full phrase or partial within word limit).
11. "copper ribbons"
Location in passage: "connecting them with copper ribbons"
Analysis: Material used to connect the cells in module assembly.
12. "quality testing"
Location in passage: "undergo rigorous quality testing"
Analysis: Final step in the manufacturing process as described in the passage.
🏆 Complete Analysis Guide for Flowchart Completion
🎯 Question Analysis Strategies:
Pre-reading Analysis:
- Study the flowchart structure and direction of arrows
- Identify the type of process (manufacturing, biological, administrative)
- Note the word limits and grammatical requirements
- Predict possible vocabulary based on the topic
Scanning Technique:
- Look for keywords from the flowchart in the passage
- Follow the sequence as presented in the passage
- Mark the relevant paragraph(s) containing the process
- Identify transition words indicating sequence
⚠️ Word Limit Mastery:
Two-Word Limit Examples:
- ✅ "hydrochloric acid" (2 words)
- ✅ "quality testing" (2 words)
- ❌ "the hydrochloric acid" (3 words - exceeds limit)
- ❌ "rigorous quality testing" (3 words - exceeds limit)
Grammar Considerations:
- Articles (a, an, the) count as separate words
- Compound words (anti-reflective) count as one word
- Numbers can be written as digits (1000°C) or words (one thousand)
- Ensure answers fit grammatically in the context
🔍 Process Recognition Patterns:
Sequential Indicators:
- "The process begins with..." → Look for first step
- "Next..." / "Then..." → Continuation of sequence
- "Following this..." → Next stage indicator
- "Finally..." → Last step identification
Technical Process Language:
- Passive voice: "is heated", "are sliced", "undergoes treatment"
- Process verbs: refined, processed, treated, converted, assembled
- Result language: "results in", "produces", "creates", "forms"
📊 Common Question Types in Manufacturing Processes:
Materials and Substances:
- Raw materials (quartz sand, silicon)
- Chemicals (hydrochloric acid, phosphorus gas)
- End products (polysilicon, wafers)
Processes and Methods:
- Technical processes (Siemens process, crystallization)
- Physical actions (heating, cooling, slicing)
- Chemical treatments (texturing, diffusion)
Equipment and Tools:
- Machinery (furnaces, diamond wire saws)
- Components (copper ribbons, protective glass)
- Testing equipment (quality assessment tools)
🎯 Expert Tips for High Scores:
Time Management (13 minutes total):
- 2 minutes: Analyze flowchart structure and predict content
- 3 minutes: Locate and mark relevant passage sections
- 7 minutes: Fill in answers systematically
- 1 minute: Review answers for accuracy and word limits
Accuracy Strategies:
- Use only words from the passage - no paraphrasing
- Maintain exact spelling as in the passage
- Check grammatical fit within the flowchart context
- Verify logical sequence from start to finish
Common Trap Avoidance:
- Don't add connecting words unless they're in the passage
- Don't use background knowledge - stick to passage content
- Don't change word forms (heating → heat) unless necessary
- Don't skip boxes - work through in sequence
📈 Scoring and Band Requirements:
Band Score Targets:
- Band 6.0: 8-9 correct answers out of 12
- Band 7.0: 10-11 correct answers out of 12
- Band 8.0+: 12 correct answers out of 12
Improvement Priorities:
- Practice with various process types (biological, technological, administrative)
- Develop vocabulary for different academic subjects
- Master word counting and limit adherence
- Improve scanning speed for process-related paragraphs
🔄 Practice Recommendations:
Daily Practice Routine:
- Read one process description and create a simple flowchart
- Practice identifying sequence markers in academic texts
- Time yourself completing flowcharts (aim for 12-13 minutes)
- Review and analyze your mistakes systematically
Recommended Topics for Practice:
- Scientific processes (photosynthesis, water cycle)
- Manufacturing procedures (food production, electronics)
- Business processes (product development, quality control)
- Environmental cycles (carbon cycle, recycling processes)