IELTS Writing Task 1: Processes or Flow Charts

This part of the test will test your ability to describe something. Here’s the example describing the stages of a process/procedure.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The following flowchart shows the process students at an English language school go through.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

You should write at least 150 words.

How to do Task 1

• Spend about 5 minutes studying the flow charts or diagram and preparing your answer.
• Make sure you understand what the important stages of the flow chart or diagram are and that you know what order they all come in. Find a place to begin and work your way through or around the diagram or chart.
• Include all stages in your description.
• Aware of any stages that happen at the same time as other stages or are alternatives.
• Use present simple passive and present simple to describe a process.
• Use any notes on the diagram but put them into your own words.
• Varying your vocabulary. Use synonyms. For example, the diagram describes jobs. Interchange ‘jobs’, ‘occupations’, ‘types of employment/work’ etc.
• Organize your information clearly. You’ll need an introduction and body for this report. A conclusion is not necessary. Introduction: introduce the process or flow chart and give an overview to summarize its overall function. Body: describe the process or flow chart in a logical order.
• Guide the reader with sequence expressions, such as ‘first of all’, ‘after that’, ‘at the same time’, ‘concurrently’ etc.
• Don’t copy phrases from the instructions as this will not be assessed. Use your own words.
• Don’t take more than 20 minutes over this task.
• Try to write neatly and cross out errors with one line only.
• Leave your times to read through what you’ve written.
• Remember:  use a wide range of structures & vocab to reach higher score. Do not write your opinion.

Good luck!

Reference: How to Prepare for IELTS Writing. City University of Hongkong: English Language Center.