IELTS Academic Task 1: Describing a Process Diagram
Updated 2 July 2026 · 2 min read · ieltspractice.app
Some Academic Task 1 questions show a process instead of a graph: how something is made, or how a natural cycle works. These need a different approach from charts. You do not describe trends or numbers; you describe stages in order. This guide gives you a simple structure and the exact language that makes a process answer clear and accurate.
How a process question is different
A process diagram shows steps, not data. There are no figures to compare and no trends over time. Your job is to explain each stage in the right order.
Because there are no numbers, the marks come from clear sequencing and accurate grammar, especially the passive voice.
A reliable structure
Introduction: reword the task in one sentence, saying what the diagram shows.
Overview: say how many stages there are and where the process begins and ends. This is essential and examiners look for it.
Body paragraph 1: describe the first half of the stages in order.
Body paragraph 2: describe the remaining stages through to the end.
Use the passive voice
Most processes are done by people or machines, so the passive fits well. Instead of "workers heat the mixture", write "the mixture is heated".
The passive keeps the focus on the process, not on who does it, which is exactly the right style for this task.
Sequencing language
Show the order clearly: first, next, then, after that, once this is complete, finally.
For stages that happen at the same time, use while or at the same time. Good sequencing is what makes a process answer easy to follow.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not add numbers or opinions. There are no statistics in a process, and you should never say whether the process is good or bad.
Do not skip the overview. An answer with no overview cannot reach the higher bands, even if every stage is correct.
Quick check
Test yourself — tap an answer to see if you are right.
1. What is the best voice for describing a process?
2. What must the overview include?
3. Which of these does NOT belong in a process answer?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an overview for a process diagram?
Yes. State how many stages there are and where the process starts and finishes. Missing the overview limits your score.
Should I use the passive voice?
Usually yes. Processes are done to materials, so "the mixture is heated" fits better than naming who does it.
How many paragraphs should I write?
Four: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that cover the stages in order.
Do I include numbers in a process answer?
No. A process has stages, not data. Focus on the order of the steps, not figures or comparisons.
Sources
Keep reading
Original IELTS-style practice content. ieltspractice.app is independent and not affiliated with IDP, Cambridge English, or the British Council.