Academic Task 1BeginnerTarget: Band 5.5–6.0

Process Diagram Template

A very simple sequence of events using basic transition words and active or passive verbs to describe a manufacturing or natural process.

Paragraph Structure

Introduction

The diagram shows how Product is made.

Rewrite the prompt simply.

Overview

Overall, there are Number steps in the process, starting from Step 1 and ending with Final Step.

Count the exact number of steps. Name the very first and very last step.

Details 1 (The First Half)

First, the Subject is Verb. Then, it is moved to a machine. After that, Step 2 happens.

Describe the first half of the image. Use simple connectors ('First', 'Then', 'After that').

Details 2 (The Second Half)

Next, Step 3. Finally, the Product is put into boxes and sent to shops.

Describe the second half. Always end with 'Finally'.

Useful Phrases

The diagram shows how...
Overall, there are Number steps in the process
starting from... and ending with...
First, the Subject is...
Then, it is moved to...
After that...
Next...
Finally, the Product is...

Sample Answer

The diagram shows how glass bottles are recycled and made into new bottles. Overall, there are three main steps in the process, starting from people throwing away glass and ending with new bottles being delivered to supermarkets. First, people throw glass bottles into a recycling bin. Then, a truck collects the glass and takes it to a recycling center. After that, the glass is washed and broken into very small pieces. Next, the small pieces of glass are put into a fire and melted into hot liquid. Finally, the hot liquid is poured into a mold to make new bottles, which are filled with drinks and sent to shops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not using the passive voice

If describing a man-made process ('The worker washes the glass' instead of 'The glass is washed'), it sounds like a children's story, not an academic report.

Fix: Use the passive voice: 'is or are + Past Participle' (e.g., 'is transported', 'are crushed').

Forgetting the overview

Many students just start describing Step 1 immediately after the introduction.

Fix: Always include the 'Number of stages', the 'Start point', and the 'End point' in a separate Overview paragraph.

Ready to practice this structure?

Head over to the evaluation dashboard to start writing your essay. Upon submission, the AI will evaluate your work against this structure and the selected band criteria.

Start Writing Now
Process Diagram (Beginner) - IELTS Writing Template