Category: Sample Answers

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.

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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)

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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.

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Teacher’s Notes

This 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.

 

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.

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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)

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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.

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Teacher’s Notes

When 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.

 

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.

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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)

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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.

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Teacher’s Notes

As 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: 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.

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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)

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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, then, however, 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.

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Teacher’s Notes

Cycle 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”.

 

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.

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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)

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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, proportionately, suited, 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.

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Teacher’s Notes

You 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.

 

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.

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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)

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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.

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Teacher’s Note

Don’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.

 

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.

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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)

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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.

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Teacher’s Notes

A 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.

 

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.

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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)

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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.

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Teacher’s Notes

This 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.