Complete guide on how to master IELTS Writing Task 1 Process

The IELTS Writing Task 1 presents test-takers with diverse question formats that challenge different analytical skills. Among these formats, process diagrams stand out as particularly demanding yet frequently overlooked by candidates. This comprehensive guide equips you with proven strategies to excel in IELTS Writing Task 1 Process questions. Understanding process diagrams requires more than basic writing skills. These questions test your ability to describe sequential steps, use appropriate linking devices, and demonstrate precise vocabulary.

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 

Occasionally, you may encounter uncommon or unique question formats.

II. The structure of an IELTS Writing Task 1 Process

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

Learning the Introduction structure for IELTS Writing Task 1 Process essays helps you write clearly and confidently. This knowledge removes confusion during your exam preparation and makes the writing process smoother. Understanding this basic structure lets you focus on improving your analysis skills instead of worrying about organization.

• 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

Additionally, focus carefully on crafting the Overview section in Process questions, as this component significantly impacts your overall score. Clear understanding of all question formats saves valuable time during the exam, allowing you to allocate more attention to IELTS Writing Task 2.

• 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

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 + V3. 

For example: At the first step of the process, sugar canes are grown on fields.

• After being+ V3: applied in 2 consecutive steps. 

For example: 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). 

For example: After the sugar canes have been harvested, they are squeezed in a crushing machine.

2. Linking words

Incorporate transitional phrases into your Process essay writing for IELTS Writing Task 1 to create smooth, logical flow between ideas. These linking words guide readers through each stage of the process while demonstrating your command of sophisticated English structures:

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 diagram's input and output - Determine your starting point for description. For comparative diagrams, divide elements into distinct sections to establish what requires description and comparison.

• Step 2: Organize your body paragraphs - Choose whether to structure content by sequential steps, diagram sections, or individual components within the process.

• Step 3: Analyze each stage thoroughly - Identify the subject performing the action, the specific action taken, the object being affected, the purpose behind each step, and the resulting outcome. For comparative diagrams, focus on describing features, their underlying purposes, and any consequential effects.

V. Start Your IELTS Journey  

To excel in IELTS Writing Task 1 Process questions, studying sample essays crafted by seasoned instructors provides invaluable insights into effective structure and language use. These expertly designed examples demonstrate the precise techniques that distinguish high-scoring responses from average submissions. For test-takers committed to achieving their target band score, PREP's comprehensive courses deliver the specialized guidance and practice necessary to transform your writing performance.

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