Complete guide on how to write IELTS Writing Task 1: Process

As you might know, the IELTS Writing Task 1 presents various question types, ranging from simple to challenging. For instance, these include charts, tables, maps, and processes. Recently, the "process" question type has sparked debate. In the past, it wasn't common in exams, leading many to overlook it. Yet, recent exams feature it more often. Some struggle due to inadequate preparation. Hence, PREP offers a comprehensive guide on tackling the essay for IELTS Writing Task 1: Process. We aim to provide valuable insights to assist you in your preparation.

I. What is IELTS Writing Task 1: Process?

1. Definition

• This type of essay requires candidates to describe a process or a specific procedure based on a given diagram or illustration.
• For the Process question type, the time frame is usually not specified, so the verbs used in the essay should be in the PRESENT TENSE (either simple or continuous).
• There are two main types of IELTS Writing Task 1: Process:
  • Natural process: The life cycle of an animal, such as the transformation from a tadpole to a frog, the process of rain formation, etc.
  • Manufacturing process (man-made process): The production process, creating a specific product, etc.

2. Examples of IELTS Writing Task 1: Process 

Sometimes we may come across unusual or different types of questions.

II. The structure of an IELTS Writing Task 1: Process

1. How to write the Introduction for an IELTS Writing Task 1: Process

Refer to the structure of the Introduction in a Process essay in the IELTS Writing Test so that you can grasp how to write it in Task 1. Then, you will not feel confused during the preparation for the IELTS Writing exam.

• Write the introduction by paraphrasing the given prompt sentence.
• Students may refer to the following structures.
• The chart/ diagram (shows/ describes/ illustrates) how + (ABC) is made/ created/ manufactured/…
• … show the process by which (N) is (produced/created)
• … show the production of………………..
• … show the process of producing/ making…………………
• … show how to produce/ make……………………..

For example: The diagram illustrates the process of making bricks for building purposes.

2. How to write the overview of the IELTS Writing Task 1: Process

In addition, you should also pay close attention when writing the Overview section in the Process exam. When you have a clear understanding of all the question types, you will save a lot of time. Use that time to move on to the IELTS Writing Task 2 section.

• Firstly, include a sentence that states the number of steps in the given process, starting with which step and ending with which step.

➡ Overall, there are (number) (several/ various) steps/ stages in the process of (making…), starting/ beginning/ commencing with (V-ing/ Noun phrase) and ending/ finishing/ culminating/ concluding with (V-ing/ Noun phrase)

• For more complex and unconventional processes, gather information available within the process itself, such as the equipment used or the objects involved.

➡ For example: Evidently, this is a lengthy process, beginning with the cultivation of sugar canes and concluding with the end product being produced.

III. How to write the body of the IELTS Writing Task 1: Process

3.1. Essential grammatical structures

There are several grammatical structures that you need to be familiar with to use them effectively in the body of your IELTS Writing essay. Additionally, it is crucial to employ the most appropriate writing style for the Process essay to maximize your score in Task 1.

• Passive voice: S + tobe + VpII. Ex: At the first step of the process, sugar canes are grown on fields.
• After being+ VpII: applied in 2 consecutive steps. Ex: After being harvested, the sugar canes are squeezed in a crushing machine.
• Once/After/When+ S + The present perfect tense: applied in 2 consecutive steps (Provided step 1 is done). Ex: After the sugar canes have been harvested, they are squeezed in a crushing machine.

3.2. Linking words

Incorporate some linking words into your writing style for the Process essay in IELTS Writing Task 1. PREP has listed these linking words in the image below. Refer to it to understand how to use them correctly in your exam preparation.

Start the process:

• First of all/Firstly/Initially
• To begin with
• The first/initial step of the process is………
• The process starts/begins/commences with…………

Next steps:

• At the following/subsequent stage/step
• Subsequently
• After that/Then/Next
• … followed by…. (Complex sentences) 
• The process continues with………….
• End the process
• Finally,
• The last/final process/step is that…..
• The process finishes/concludes/ends with………..

Describe the repetition of the process

• The process/cycle may start again
• At this point, a cycle has been completed and a new cycle will begin

IV. What to do when encountering a challenging IELTS Writing Task 1: Process?

• Step 1: Identify the input and output of the diagram: Determine where to start describing from; for comparative diagrams, divide the elements to be compared into parts or sections to know what to describe and compare.
• Step 2: Determine the organization of the Body paragraphs: Decide whether to organize the paragraphs based on steps, the diagram itself, or the components within the diagram. This theory is taught by Teacher Tung V in the Intermediate IELTS Writing course, so you can refer to his lectures.
• Step 3: Analyze each step: The most important aspect is to identify the subject of the action (S), the Action (V), the Object being affected (O), the purpose/cause of the step, and the Result. For comparative diagrams, the corresponding elements would describe the features, the purpose/cause of those features, and the effects (if applicable).

By understanding these tips, practicing the skills taught by Teacher Tung in the Intermediate Writing course, and diligently practicing with exercises, you can handle these tasks confidently!

V. Start Your IELTS Journey  

To write a successful IELTS Writing Task 1: Process, it is important to refer to sample essays prepared by experienced teachers. If you’re ready to boost your IELTS band score, check out our expert-led courses below:

• IELTS preparation course: Mastering IELTS exam from zero to hero