In the IELTS writing task 1, you may be presented with a process chart question. This type of question involves describing a step-by-step process or procedure, such as the manufacturing of a product or a biological process. The process chart may include accompanying text to provide explanations. Let’s explore how to approach a process chart question in IELTS writing task 1.

Step 1: Read the Question Carefully and Write the Introduction

As with all IELTS writing task 1 questions, the first step is to thoroughly read the question. For a process chart question, you need to understand the process and its components. Pay attention to the chart’s heading and examine the images to get an overview of the process. Once you have read the question, you can write the introduction by paraphrasing the question statement. Incorporate relevant information from the diagram to make your introduction effective. For example:

Question Statement:

The diagram shows the process of producing chocolate in a factory.

Introduction:

The provided process chart illustrates the ten-step process of chocolate production in a factory, starting from the cultivation of trees to the creation of liquid chocolate.

In the above introduction, the highlighted text is derived from the first and last steps of the process diagram.

Step 2: Write Two Body Paragraphs

To effectively describe the process diagram, structure your IELTS writing task 1 with two body paragraphs of equal length. If there are a total of ten steps, you can describe the first five steps in the first body paragraph and the remaining five steps in the second body paragraph. Alternatively, you may divide the steps in a way that logically organizes the information. It is advisable to use the passive voice in your descriptions as it provides a clearer presentation. For example:

Active Voice:

Crush the leaves and put them in a container. Boil them for about an hour in water and then add honey.

Passive Voice:

The leaves are first crushed and placed in a container, where they are boiled in water for approximately an hour. Subsequently, honey is added to the boiled mixture.

Step 3: Write a Concise Conclusion

In IELTS writing task 1, it is important to include a concise conclusion that summarizes the main information. This also applies to process chart questions. Consider the overall process and draw conclusions based on the information provided. For example:

“In conclusion, various processes are employed between stage 2 and stage 4 to produce by-products. However, stage 1 and stage 5 are common steps involved in the overall manufacturing process.”

By following these steps, you can effectively tackle a process chart question in IELTS writing task 1 and provide a clear and well-structured response.