Process Diagrams

What Process Diagrams Test

Process diagrams show how something is made or how a natural cycle works. They test your ability to sequence steps logically using appropriate passive voice and sequencing language. There are no trends or comparisons — this is purely about describing a sequence clearly.

Two Types of Process

Manufacturing process: How a product is made step by step — e.g. how chocolate is produced, how bricks are manufactured.

Natural cycle: How a natural phenomenon repeats — e.g. the water cycle, the life cycle of a butterfly.

Sequencing Language — Essential

Starting: Initially, The process begins when, At the first stage, First of all Continuing: Subsequently, Following this, At the next stage, This is then followed by, Once this is complete Parallel steps: Meanwhile, Simultaneously, At the same time Final steps: Finally, At the last stage, The process concludes when, Ultimately, The cycle then repeats

Passive Voice for Processes

Manufacturing processes almost always use passive voice: "The raw materials are collected", "The mixture is heated to 100 degrees", "The final product is packaged and distributed."

Natural cycles use passive voice too: "Water is evaporated by the sun's heat", "Clouds are formed when water vapour cools", "Precipitation occurs when..."

Structure

Introduction: State what the diagram shows — what process is being illustrated and approximately how many stages it involves.

Overview: Mention how many main stages there are and whether it is a linear process or a cyclical one.

Body Paragraph 1: Describe the first half of the process in sequence using sequencing language.

Body Paragraph 2: Describe the second half through to the final stage or back to the beginning if it is a cycle.

Common Mistakes

Describing steps out of order — always follow the arrows or numbered stages.

Using active voice throughout — passive voice is standard and expected in process descriptions.

Forgetting to mention that a diagram is cyclical in the overview — this shows you understand the diagram's fundamental nature.

Writing too little — process diagrams can be harder to expand so aim for at least 170 words.