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IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Table with Sample Answer

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

A table of data is a familiar sight in IELTS Writing Task 1. Try this example which looks at student funding in the US. A sample answer follows below. 

The table below shows the primary funding sources of international students in the US during the years 2003/04 and 2013/14. Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer describing the data and make comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Writing Table


IELTS Writing Task 1: Sample Answer

The table shows how international students in the US funded their studies in the years 2003/04 and 2013/14. Overall, there was a noticeable trend towards sponsorship by foreign governments, foreign universities, and current employers over the ten-year period.

First of all, the period 2003/04 to 2013/14 witnessed a significant rise in the number of international students in the US, from 572,509 to 886,052, a rise of more than 50%. Given the large increase, were there any changes in how foreign students paid for their studies?

The table shows that the two main funding sources were ‘Personal and Family’ and ‘US College or University’, which together accounted for 90% of funding in 2003/2004. However, taken together, these two sources had dropped to 84% by 2013/14.

At the same time, there was substantial growth in the numbers of students funded by ‘Foreign Government or University’ and ‘Current Employer’, which saw increases of 383% and 390% respectively. Even though they still accounted for only a small minority of funding, both sources became more important to foreign students during the period.

(177 words, IELTS 9.0)


Why Does This Task 1 Answer Get IELTS 9.0?

Task achievement: The sample answer identifies a major point of interest in the data and supports this with relevant figures from the table.

Coherence and cohesion: The sample answer is organised into paragraphs which are connected logically. There is an overall description at the beginning and end of the answer.

Lexical resource: The sample answer uses vocabulary appropriate to comparing data such as ‘accounted for’ and ‘witnessed a significant rise’. Native-like collocation is used throughout the model answer.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The sample answer includes many examples of complex sentences that combine a main point with supporting evidence in two clauses.


Teacher’s Note

IELTS TeacherThis IELTS Writing Task 1 answer is a great example of how a focus on one particular trend can result in a high impact and high score. The writer identifies a growth in two funding sources and uses this as the whole basis of the report. Notice how it’s repeated in the introduction, body and conclusion. When describing a table in Task 1, it’s easy to become ‘lost in data’. Highlight the one trend that sticks out and make it the basis of your answer.

 

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IELTS Writing Sample Answers Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Natural Process Diagram with Sample Answer

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

A natural process diagram is another common question type in IELTS Writing Task 1. Here’s an example of one with nine stages that really challenges you to describe the whole process in just 150 words.

The diagram shows the growth cycle of a volcanic island. Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer describing the main features of the cycle.

IELTS Natural Process


IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The diagram illustrates a natural process in which a volcanic island grows from beneath the sea, explodes, and then eventually sinks to become an underwater reef. The process is divided into nine stages.

In the first two stages, called the ‘preshield’ and ‘protoshield’ stages, a mountain gradually builds under the surface of the sea. In the third or ‘explosive’ phase, hydro-explosions occur which deposit a cone of ash. A large number of cinder cones then pile up to form a ‘shield’ on top of the volcano.

This shield gradually erodes and subsides to form reefs below the surface of the sea. However, there may be ongoing volcanic activity including lava flows. By the time of the ‘coral atoll’ stage, the original form of the volcano has disappeared, and the whole structure sinks further under the sea during the ‘guyot’ stage.

In summary, huge volcanoes rise and fall under the sea in a natural process known as the volcanic island growth cycle.

(194 words, IELTS 9.0)


Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS band 9 score?

Task achievement: The candidate describes a complex nine-part natural process in fewer than 200 words by grouping some stages together and leaving out small details where possible. The introduction includes an overall description that clearly signals what the body of the report will contain.

Coherence and cohesion: The body of the report groups the natural process into two paragraphs rather than attempt to describe each of the nine stages separately. Events are clearly sequenced and summarised.

Lexical resource: The candidate uses vocabulary from the diagram but transforms it where necessary to fit a sentence: erosion > erodes; subsidence > subsides. The model answer also introduces other relevant vocabulary not in the diagram such as deposits, surface and structure.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The candidate writes in complex sentences using conjunctions and relative pronouns. Most of the sentences have multiple clauses. There are no grammatical mistakes. In addition to the present simple tense, the present perfect tense is used to show how events are related in time: the original form of the volcano has disappeared.


Teacher’s Notes

IELTS TeacherThis natural process diagram includes nine stages, which are difficult to describe in detail in so few words. Therefore, you should take this opportunity to practice grouping stages together and summarising where possible. It’s not a good idea to write nine sentences to describe each of the nine stages. You will simply not have the time. Writing skills like grouping and summarising will come in very handy in the real test.

 

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IELTS Writing Sample Answers Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Map Diagram with Sample Answer

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

A map diagram in IELTS Writing Task 1 is likely to be a before/after street plan that requires you to compare past and present. In this case, however, it’s present and future that you need to compare.

The diagram shows proposed changes to Foster Road.

Write a 150-word report describing the proposed changes for a local committee.

IELTS map diagram


IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The diagram shows proposals to transform Foster Road between SE 84th and 85th Avenue into a tree-lined avenue that is safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

First of all, the planners propose to widen the sidewalk on both sides of the road and add bicycle lanes. This will mean reducing the number of lanes for cars and other vehicles. A pedestrian crossing will also be installed at the lower end of the street, near the gas station. This crossing will include an island in the middle where people can wait in safety.

In addition to the safety measures above, planners also want to plant trees along both sides of the road. These trees will transform the appearance of the neighbourhood as well as provide vital extra shade for pedestrians.

To summarise, under these proposals, the needs of local residents will be better served by making Foster Road a safer and more pleasant environment.

(152 words, IELTS 9.0)


Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 9 score?

Task achievement: The candidate writes at least 150 words and describes all of the proposed changes. The changes are summarised at the beginning and end, and described in detail in the body of the report. The changes are connected to their function and their location on the map is also clearly described.

Coherence and cohesion: The body of the report is divided into two paragraphs, one describing the changes that will improve safety, and another describing changes that will improve the environment. These paragraphs are clearly linked (“In addition to the safety measures above,…”). There are several uses of reference links such as this and these to refer back to a previous sentence.

Lexical resource: The candidate introduces relevant vocabulary not on the original maps such as pedestrian, cyclist, measures, and tree-lined. The candidate transforms certain words as in proposed > proposal and installation > installed. There are no spelling mistakes.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer includes a range of complex sentence structures. Tense is always used correctly to show that the changes will occur in the future. There are no grammatical errors.


Teacher’s Notes

IELTS TeacherWhen describing changes to a map in IELTS Writing Task 1, you will usually start by comparing the diagrams, identify four or five changes that seem important, and write about these. But it’s worth taking 1-2 minutes first to reflect on why the changes are significant and if there is a common theme or themes. Being able to identify a common theme or tendency is one way to get a high score for Task Achievement.

 

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IELTS Writing Sample Answers Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Describe a Process with Sample Answer

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

Today’s example of a process diagram is just for fun. It’s unlikely that you would be asked to describe a process this difficult in the real test!

The illustration below shows the process of tying a bow tie.

Write a report explaining to a university lecturer how to tie his bow tie.

Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Writing Process


IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The diagram illustrates how to knot a bow tie in eight stages.

To begin with, the tie should be placed around the neck, with one end slightly longer than the other. Then place the longer end over the other and pass it upwards and behind the point where the two ends cross.

Next, take the other end of the tie and bend it twice to form an ‘S’ shape. Bring the longer end down and in front, so that it holds the ‘S’ curve in place. Now comes the trickiest part of the process. Take the long end of the tie and form a similar ‘S’ shape before passing it through the narrow gap behind the other end. This creates a knot and the bow should now be held securely in place.

Finally, adjust both sides of the bow to make it symmetrical and prepare to be the envy of your friends.

(152 words, IELTS 9.0)


Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 9 score?

Task achievement: The model answer fully satisfies all requirements of the task by describing each stage in the process.

Coherence and cohesion: The model answer uses a range of sequencing expressions to describe the order in which the actions should be carried out. The answer is divided into several paragraphs for ease of understanding, with the inclusion of a general sentence – Now comes the trickiest part of the process – to aid coherence.

Lexical resource: A range of appropriate vocabulary is introduced, including action verbs such as knot, bend, pass and adjust.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The correct forms – imperatives, modals – are used to give instructions. Sentence patterns vary and are always grammatically accurate.


Teacher’s Notes

IELTS TeacherAs I mentioned in my introduction above, this IELTS Writing Task 1 question is not entirely serious. It would be quite shocking to have to describe a process like this one in the real exam. It does illustrate a serious point though. Almost every diagram in IELTS Writing Task 1 contains some vocabulary in the form of labels. The vocabulary is there to help you, not to make the task more complex. So be grateful for all those labels!

Would you like me to check your IELTS writing answers and give you expert feedback based on the official scoring criteria? My online IELTS Writing Practice Test will show you how to improve by a whole band score in just two days. Read more.


 

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IELTS Writing Task 1 Writing Techniques

IELTS Writing Task 1: How to Organise Your Answer

This is a quick guide on how to organise an IELTS Writing Task 1 answer into paragraphs. This applies only to the Academic module in which Task 1 involves describing a diagram or set of data. Note that the organisation of the answer may change depending on the question type.

First paragraph: Introduction

Key technique: Be direct.

When writing an introduction to IELTS Writing Task 1, get straight to the point as you only have 20 minutes to write your answer. One or two sentences are often sufficient. Two things you should try to include in the introduction are:

  • Paraphrase of the question: What does the diagram show? (Don’t describe the results yet!)
  • General description: Are the differences great or small, many or few? Is there one very obvious trend or feature that stands out?

Hint: Many people make the mistake of continuing with all the details. Stop here and begin your first body paragraph.

Body paragraphs

Key technique: Divide the body into two or three paragraphs.

Use a logical way to divide the body of your report into two or three paragraphs. Are there two or more sets of data? Great, then write a paragraph about each one. Is there only one set of data? Count the variables and divide them into two or three groups. You can divide by natural similarity (e.g. some academic subjects are sciences; others are arts.) Or you can divide by similarity of results (e.g. some exam scores went up; others went down.) Or you can divide a process, a time period or age range into two or three stages (e.g. the 20th Century can be divided into the early, mid, and late 20th Century.)

Now that you have a paragraphing system, make sure each paragraph is organised as follows:

  • Link to the previous paragraph: By contrast, turning to, finally, etc.
  • Topic sentence: Describe the main point, change or comparison in general terms without giving specific information.
  • Supporting sentence(s): Quote a figure or other evidence that supports the claim made in the topic sentence.

Hint: If you find yourself writing more than two consecutive supporting sentences, include a general sentence (e.g. There were also significant differences in…) to guide the reader, or consider starting a new paragraph.

Final paragraph: Conclusion

Key technique: Add overall coherence.

Due to lack of time, many people will omit the conclusion from IELTS Writing Task 1. However, there are several reasons you should write a conclusion. One is that writing a summarising sentence takes very little time and may push you past the 150-word limit. Another is that a good summary can add coherence to your answer, which could rescue your score if you have drifted a lot. Finally, since the purpose of Task 1 is usually to compare, the conclusion allows you to make direct comparisons of the different sets of data, which is especially important if you have described them in separate body paragraphs. Here are some things that can go in the conclusion to Task 1:

  • Concluding signal: In conclusion, in summary, overall, etc.
  • Summary: Paraphrase the overall trend or the two or three main points made in the body. Never include statistics or other evidence in the conclusion.
  • Direct comparison: If there are several sets of data, here is your chance to make a connection between them. Don’t go into too much detail.
  • Prediction: If the data includes a timeframe, you could make a prediction about what is likely to happen next.
  • Concluding comment: If you really need some extra words, you could add a comment on the data. Is it surprisingly, alarming, expected? Comments such as these are not required by the question but are better than incurring a penalty for not meeting the word requirement.

Hint: You don’t need to include all of the above in your conclusion. Two sentences are generally enough.

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IELTS Writing Sample Answers Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Cycle Diagram with Sample Answer

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

A cycle diagram is a variation on the process diagram in which the process repeats itself. So it’s a good idea to make that point in your answer.

The diagram below illustrates the carbon cycle in nature.

Write a 150-word description of this diagram for a university lecturer.

Carbon Cycle
© The National Center for Atmospheric Research

IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The diagram shows how carbon moves through various stages to form a complete cycle. This report will give a brief description of the main stages in this cycle.

First, we can see that energy from the sun is transformed into organic carbon through a process in plants known as photosynthesis. This organic carbon is then transferred underground when plants, and the animals that feed on them, die and decay. Some of this carbon is trapped underground in the form of fossils and fossil fuels.

Carbon is also released back into the atmosphere, however, through various means. One is when animals and plants respire, and another is when humans burn fossil fuels in cars and factories. All this carbon enters the atmosphere as CO2. It is then reabsorbed by plants, and the cycle begins again.

Overall, we can see that carbon moves in a natural cycle, although human factors may now be affecting the balance.

(154 words, IELTS 8.0)


Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task achievement: The model answer selects and describes most components of the cycle diagram except for waste products and ocean uptake. There is an overall description of the cycle followed by a clearly sequenced and divided description of the stages. The summary identifies something noteworthy about the diagram. The length is sufficient.

Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs with a logical separation between the body paragraphs and connective markers first, thenhowever, and overall. There is a general overview in paragraph 1 and a summary in paragraph 4. Referencing techniques such as ellipsis (one is…) are used to avoid over-repetition of key words.

Lexical resource: The writer makes good use of the language in the cycle diagram and is also able to change forms in the case of respiration > respire. The writer also introduces a range of verbs for describing a process or cycle such as transform, transfer and release.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer uses a wide range of forms accurately including countable/uncountable nouns, active/passive structures, and transitive/intransitive verbs.


Teacher’s Notes

IELTS TeacherCycle diagrams are almost always natural processes: nature is one big wheel after all. Usually you will find that the labels on the diagram contains lots of unfamiliar scientific nouns. If you think you know the verb forms, then use them as this will definitely contribute to a higher score. Otherwise you’ll have to rely on phrases such as “in a process known as Animal Respiration”.

 

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IELTS Writing Sample Answers Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Diagram with Sample Answer

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

This IELTS Task 1 diagram is a great chance to practice your comparing skills. How many differences can you spot and which differences are most significant?

The diagram shows the skeletal systems of two ancestors of modern human beings.

Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer describing the diagram and making comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Comparison Diagram


IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

Variations in the skeletal systems of two early types of human are illustrated in this diagram. Overall, we can see that australopithecus afarensis had a heavier body and much longer arms, while homo erectus was slimmer and had more developed joints.

To begin with the upper half of the body, australopithecus afarensis had a much broader chest and waist than homo erectus, giving it a rounder appearance. The former had much longer arms and larger hands, which would have been useful for climbing trees.

As for the lower half of the body, we can see that homo erectus had proportionately longer legs and larger hip, knee and ankle joints. The feet of homo erectus were also smaller and more arched, with shorter toes. These differences meant that homo erectus was better suited to long-distance running.

In conclusion, we can see significant changes in the development of early humans from the diagram. Homo erectus is more similar to contemporary human beings with its long legs and arched feet. The physical differences are clearly related to differences in the lifestyles of tree climbers and endurance runners.

(183 words, IELTS 9.0)


Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 9 score?

Task achievement: The model answer selects only the most important information from the Task 1 diagram and uses this to make several direct comparisons. The model answer also explains the link between the creatures’ respective lifestyles and their physical differences. The model answer is more than 150 words.

Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs with a logical separation between the body paragraphs. There is a general overview in paragraph 1 and a summary in paragraph 4. A reference link, the former, is used to avoid over-repetition of complex scientific names.

Lexical resource: The model answer adds more vocabulary not in the diagram such as lifestyle, proportionatelysuited, appearance and contemporary. There are many examples of paraphrasing including wide > broad and endurance > long-distance.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer uses a range of comparative structures accurately. The model answer also uses a range of grammatical forms to produce complex sentences. These include clauses beginning with with, which and -ing forms.


Teacher’s Notes

IELTS TeacherYou might panic when you see this IELTS Writing Task 1 diagram due to the number of words. However, it isn’t necessary to describe every feature. Instead, highlight only the most interesting points for comparison. In this example, we would definitely want to mention the width of the body and the length of the legs. A high-scoring answer will also include some kind of overview or general statement. In this case, the physical differences between our ancestors are clearer connected to their different lifestyles, as mentioned in the headings.

 

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IELTS Writing Sample Answers Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Bar Chart with Sample Answer

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

Bar charts often appear very simple but they can also contain a lot of information. It’s up to you to decide which information from the bar chart is important enough to go in your answer.

The bar chart shows the relative electricity consumption and cost per year of various household devices.

Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer explaining the data and making comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Bar Chart


IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The bar chart compares the energy consumption and expense of operating 16 different items of household equipment. Overall, we can see significant differences in both cost and consumption.

To begin with, there are some common household items which consume relatively little energy. These include an electric blanket (approx. $10 or 100kwh/year), a microwave oven (approx. $15 or 150kwh/year) and a television (approx. $17 or 170kwh/year).

By contrast, devices that might be classified as ‘luxury’ items such as a pool pump or spa are comparatively expensive and energy-intensive, at nearly $125 or 1500kwh/year and around $190 or 2225kwh/year respectively.

It is interesting to note that even among household items normally considered alike, such as a microwave and refrigerator, there are enormous discrepancies in cost and energy use. The former uses only around $15 or 150kwh/year, while the latter consumes at least six times that amount at $90 or 1150kwh/year.

In conclusion, it appears that there is no clear pattern in the relative energy consumption of domestic equipment, although households had better be aware of the high running costs of luxury items such as a pool pump and spa.

(187 words, IELTS 9.0)


Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 9 score?

Task achievement: The model answer presents an overall description first, followed by key supporting details that illustrate the main trend.

Coherence and cohesion: The model answer is divided into clear paragraphs and each paragraph contains one main idea. There are cohesive links between paragraphs. A variety of reference links are used throughout, including the former, the latter, and respectively.

Lexical resource: The language in the question is effectively paraphrased. Synonyms are introduced for key concepts such as electricity consumption > energy use and cost > expense. Some less-common words such as discrepancies and energy-intensive are used.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer is free from grammatical errors. Sentences tend to consist of multiple clauses. Paragraphs contain a variety of sentence structures.


Teacher’s Note

IELTS TeacherDon’t panic when you see a lot of things to write about in Task 1, as in the bar chart above. You won’t lose marks if you omit a few of the items in the bar chart from your answer. The most important thing is to identify two or three general patterns and write about these. General patterns could be similar items with similar results. It’s also good to note an exception. But remember, you don’t need to describe every single item in order to get a high score.

 

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IELTS Writing Sample Answers Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1: Line Graph with Sample Answer

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

You might see a line graph like this one in Task 1. The ability to describe changes over time is a key skill in line graph tasks.

The diagram shows the consumption of renewable energy in the USA from 1949-2008.

Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer identifying the main trends and making comparisons where relevant.

IELTS Line Graph


IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The line graph shows growth in the consumption of renewable energy during the period 1949-2008 in the USA. The results are also broken down by source.

The first thing to note is that renewable energy use more than doubled over the period, with particularly strong growth in biofuels. This sector did not exist in 1980 but experienced a steep rise during the 2000s to over one quadrillion Btu per year. This made biofuels a serious challenger to both wood and hydroelectric power, which both saw only limited growth overall. The former grew steadily between 1975 and 1985, but then slipped back to around its original level of 1.8 quadrillion Btu. The latter began the period at the same level as wood but experienced more substantial growth. However, it also fell back to around 2 quadrillion Btu, with a particularly sharp drop in the late 1990s.

Finally, wind power emerged late in the period but showed a gradual rise to around 0.5 quadrillion Btu, suggesting that it, along with biofuels, will replace wood and hydroelectricity as the main sources of renewable every in the future.

(184 words, IELTS 8.0)


Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task achievement: The model answer describes the overall trend first, followed by an analysis of the different energy sources. Numerical evidence is used sparingly to illustrate the trends. The main trends are used as the basis of a prediction in the final sentence.

Coherence and cohesion: Trends are explained in general terms first, followed by supporting figures. Some energy sources are grouped together for ease of understanding. It and this are used throughout as cohesive devices, and the writer uses the former and the latter to refer back to information in a previous sentence.

Lexical resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary to describe change, including adjectives and adverbs such as limited, substantial and particularly sharp, and verbs such as doubled, slipped and emerged.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The model answer is free from grammatical errors. Sentence forms are complex and include relative clauses and linking words such as with. The candidate makes use of past, present and future tenses. Punctuation is also used carefully and accurately throughout.


Teacher’s Notes

IELTS TeacherA line graph question in IELTS Writing task 1 will typically ask you to compare the performance of several different things over time, in this case renewable energy sources. Maximise your score by making good use of reference links such as ‘the former/latter’ and ‘respectively’. Even though you are only supposed to describe what is shown in the graph, a nice way to end is to make a prediction about the future based on the current trend.

 

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IELTS Writing Sample Answers Task 1

IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Diagram with Sample Answer

IELTS Writing Task 1: Question

Try this process diagram question about the manmade process of hydroelectricity.

The diagram shows how electricity is generated by a hydroelectric dam.

Write a 150-word report for a university lecturer explaining how the process works.


IELTS Writing Task 1: Model Answer

The diagram illustrates the basic principles of hydroelectric power. The process requires the construction of a large dam connected to a powerhouse. The dam creates a large reservoir and the powerhouse is where the electricity is generated.

First of all, water trapped in the reservoir behind the dam is forced through an intake. It then flows into a narrow chamber called a penstock, where the resulting high pressure turns a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator in the powerhouse above, and this is where the movement of the turbine is converted into electricity. The resulting electricity leaves the powerhouse via cables that carry it over long distances to where it can be used.

It is interesting to note that a hydroelectric dam creates no harmful byproducts and relies entirely on natural forces to produce electricity. After the turbine stage, water flows out through a second channel and into a river. The process is renewable, thanks to the water cycle in nature.

(163 words, IELTS 8.0)


Why does this Task 1 answer get an IELTS Band 8 score?

Task achievement: The introduction paraphrases the question and describes the constituent parts of the process. The body describes each stage of the process in sequence.

Coherence and cohesion: The model answer has an introduction, body and conclusion. Sequencing expressions such as first of all, then and after are used appropriately. The articles a and the are used effectively to introduce and refer back to different elements of the process.

Lexical resource: The labels in the diagram are well integrated into the model answer and appropriate verbs such as converted, flows and leaves are used throughout. Less-common words such as byproducts and renewable are introduced by the writer. Spelling is always accurate.

Grammatical range and accuracy: The writer uses the present simple tense and has good control of subject-verb agreement and active/passive forms. A good balance of simple and complex sentences is used throughout.


Teacher’s Notes

IELTS TeacherThis IELTS Writing Task 1 question asks you to describe a process. Usually the process diagram will include some technical vocabulary. The challenge is how well you can integrate the vocabulary into a coherent report. The examiner is also looking at how you use sequencing expressions to show the order of events. Finally, remember that most processes happen at any time, so use only the present simple tense.