IELTS Writing Task 1: Process Questions
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How to answer process questions in IELTS Writing Task 1?

IELTS process questions

In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 candidates are required to describe different visuals: maps, line graphs, bar or pie charts, tables, etc. Flow-charts or processes are also on the list. Although they do not often appear on the exam, you have to know how to answer process questions. Each type of visual has its own main features, i.e. the strategies for describing them differ. What do you need to look at in flow-charts? How many steps are there to complete the task? These and other questions are to be answered today.

What are process questions about?

The good news is that process questions are easier to answer. Here is why. Unlike the other types of questions in Task 1, where you often have to deal with one or two visuals, be able to select and describe the main trends as well as compare them, in process questions you have to describe all stages of the process step by step, showing the connection between them. However, this doesn’t mean that no preparation is needed. 

In IELTS Writing Task 1, you can come across two types of processes: natural or artificial (also called ‘man-made’). Examples of natural processes can be the movement of water on, above and below the surface of the Earth, the life cycle of a hummingbird, photosynthesis, etc. The artificial processes might include recycling plastic bottles, building energy-efficient houses, manufacturing bricks, producing Christmas toys using 3D printing, etc.

Natural process sample task:

The illustrations show the lifecycle of hummingbirds. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS process questions

Artificial process sample task:

The flow-chart shows how a Christmas toy is produced using 3D printing on an FDM (fused deposition modelling) machine. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS process questions

Regardless of the type of process, you will get in your Writing Task 1 on the day of the exam, you should follow a certain combination of steps to successfully complete it. For both, the structure of your response is the same as well as the strategy. 

READ ABOUT: 10 typical mistakes in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

How to answer process questions

Step 1.Analysing the task and the diagram.

Understanding the task is crucial. Otherwise, you won’t be able to answer the question successfully. Read the task carefully and underline the key information. You should find:

  • what the diagram describes, e.g. the lifecycle of hummingbirds, how a Christmas toy is produced using 3D printing on an FDM.

Next, look at the images or the flow-chart and identify where the process begins and ends. You will also need to count the number of main steps or stages in the process, and look at what happens at each stage: 

  • for example, in the first natural process, there are  5 main stages: mating, building a nest, incubation, babies, and leaving the nest;
  • in the artificial process, there are 5 steps as well: designing a 3D model, building by layers, removing support, curing, painting and polishing.

After you have decided on how many stages there are, think about what happens at each stage.

Step 2. Planning the response.

As you have found out what each stage of the process does, you have to group the facts from the diagram logically into several parts. Next, analyse details from the diagram to illustrate each stage. After that, decide on the link between the last and the first stages in the process for the conclusion. For example:

 

Natural process: Artificial process: 
Group 1 (for body 1): 

  • hummingbird looking for a couple
  • building a nest in trees or shrubs
  • incubation

Group 2 (for body 2):

  • babies
  • mature / leave the nest
Group 1 (for body 1): 

  • 3D model / CAD software
  • FDM machine — building by layers

Group 2 (for body 2):

  • removing support
  • curing
  • painting, cleaning, polishing
The outcome of all stages:

  • Once the birds reach full maturity, they are ready to mate, thus beginning the cycle anew.
The outcome of all stages:

  • The star is ready to become a decoration for a Christmas tree.

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Step 3. Writing a description.

Now, you will have to write a 150-word response. In addition to the planning you did at the previous stage, also think of the following:

  • how you will paraphrase the task
  • how you will give an overview of stages
  • how you will paraphrase the details about each stage in the diagram.

We suggest that you use the following structure:

INTRODUCTION Paraphrase the task and give an overview of stages. The overview will include information about how many stages there are as well as the first and the last ones.
MAIN BODY Describe what happens at each stage giving details from the diagram. Show connection between the stages. Use linkers of order, referencing, and extending your ideas. 
CONCLUSIONS Summarise the main stages by linking the final stage to the first stage.

 READ ABOUT: 25 phrasal verbs to avoid in IELTS Academic Writing

Step 4. Checking. 

After you finish writing, check your description for:

  • verb forms (usually present tenses, mostly active, but passive where appropriate)
  • spelling
  • your typical mistakes
  • repetition of vocabulary and linkers.

This is a very important step in completing IELTS Writing tasks. It is also one of the most effective ways to improve your band score. Read our checklist for efficiently editing your IELTS writing.

In order to see the sample answers for the two IELTS questions we have discussed in this article, go to our online IELTS Academic self-study course with an extensive Writing practice. Remember that you do not need to be an expert in the field you are going to write about. Every process question follows the same format. If you can define if the process is natural or artificial, how many stages there are, what is done and what materials are needed at every stage, what you get in the end, you will definitely write a good overview. Don’t forget to mention how the stages are related and DO NOT write your personal opinion.  

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