Process (flow-chart) tasks appear regularly in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. Instead of trends or comparisons, you must describe a sequence — a production process, a life cycle, how something is manufactured, or how a system operates. This is a different skill: clarity of sequencing and accurate use of passive forms matter more than comparison vocabulary. If you can order steps clearly and paraphrase well, you’ll score highly.
This guide covers everything: structure, examiner expectations, tenses, vocabulary, dos & don’ts, Band 8+ insights after major sections, two unique sample tasks (one explanation + one for practice), step-by-step exercises for beginners, plus ready-to-use prompts to generate process diagrams with Gemini.
1. What the examiner wants (simplified)
For a process/flow-chart task, examiners mark you on these four criteria (same as other Task 1s):
- Task Achievement (TA): Clear overview and accurate summarisation of key stages or routes. Include purpose where relevant.
- Coherence & Cohesion (CC): Logical sequence, clear progression (use connecting words and sequencing phrases).
- Lexical Resource (LR): Range of vocabulary for sequencing, passive constructions, technical terms (if any).
- Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): Correct use of passive voice, sequencing tenses (usually present simple and passive), and varied sentence structures.
Core idea: Describe stages clearly and logically. Focus on WHAT happens and the order, not on reasons or opinions.
Band 8+ Insight
High band answers treat the diagram as a process story. They use precise passive forms, a good range of sequencing phrases, and group steps where logical (“initially… then… subsequently… finally”), avoiding overly mechanical listing.
2. The 4-part structure that works every time
Even for a process task, the 4-part structure is simple and powerful:
- Introduction (1 sentence) — Paraphrase the task/prompt.
- Overview (1–2 sentences) — Summarise the whole process: how many main stages, any cyclical elements, start & end points.
- Body Paragraph 1 — Describe the first half (or first route) of the process; group 2–4 steps logically.
- Body Paragraph 2 — Describe the remaining steps / alternative routes / recycling loops / outputs.
Aim for 150–180 words. Don’t invent reasons; describe.
Band 8+ Insight
For complex processes, identify major phases (e.g., preparation, processing, finishing) and describe steps inside each phase instead of enumerating ten tiny steps. This improves coherence.
3. How to write each section — detailed guidance
A. Introduction — paraphrase precisely
Keep it short. Replace keywords and change sentence structure.
Prompt: The diagram shows how plastic bottles are recycled.
Intro: The diagram illustrates the recycling process for plastic bottles.
Useful verbs: illustrate, show, demonstrate, depict, outline, present.
B. Overview — the examiner’s priority
Say what the whole process does, mention start & end, and note cycles or branches.
Good overview examples:
- “Overall, the process converts plastic bottles into recycled pellets, beginning with collection and finishing with new product manufacture.”
- “In general, the procedure consists of three main phases — collection, processing, and remanufacture — with waste water treated and returned to the system.”
Avoid numbers here — concentrate on the “big picture”.
C. Body paragraphs — sequence clearly, group logically
Use sequencing phrases and passive voice. Group steps into phases:
Sequencing connectors: First, Initially, To begin with, Then, Next, Subsequently, After that, Following this, Finally, Lastly.
Linking to purpose: In order to, so that, for the purpose of (rare—use only if diagram shows purpose explicitly).
Passive constructions (very common):
- “Bottles are collected and transported to a sorting facility.”
- “The materials are washed and shredded into flakes.”
- “The flakes are melted and extruded into pellets.”
Grouping technique: If several small steps form a logical phase, introduce the phase and then list steps.
Example:
The first phase is collection and sorting. Initially, used bottles are collected from households and public bins. They are then transported to a sorting plant where caps and labels are removed.
Be precise about inputs and outputs: What enters and what leaves a step.
Band 8+ Insight
Use nominalisation and linking to show flow: “Following sorting, the material undergoes cleaning and shredding, after which the shredded flakes are dried prior to melting.” This shows an ability to compress information into elegant linked clauses.
4. Tenses & grammar — what to use and why
Typical tense: Present simple (passive) — because diagrams describe a general procedure.
- Use passive voice often: are collected, is heated, are transported, is filtered.
- Use present simple for steps that always happen: The mixture is stirred, then heated.
- Use modals rarely (only if diagram shows possibility): may be stored, can be reused.
When to use other tenses:
- If the diagram says “After 24 hours, the sample had been left to dry” (rare), past perfect may be used but most exam tasks use present simple.
Useful grammatical structures:
- Passive + sequencing: are Xed → are then Yed.
- Relative clauses for extra detail: The mixture, which contains impurities, is filtered.
- Cause-effect linking only if shown: so that, in order to.
- Conditionals: avoid unless diagram shows conditional paths.
Band 8+ Insight
Show range: combine passive clauses with adverbial clauses for time/sequence: “After being ground into powder, the material is heated until it melts, at which point it is poured into molds.”
5. Essential vocabulary, collocations & useful phrases
Verbs (passive style often used)
be collected / be transported / be sorted / be washed / be shredded / be heated / be filtered / be mixed / be dried / be pressed / be molded / be packaged / be tested / be stored / be recycled / be disposed / be treated
Sequencing phrases
initially, firstly, to begin with, following this, next, subsequently, after that, then, meanwhile, finally, lastly
Purpose & result phrases
in order to, so that, resulting in, thereby, for the purpose of
Process collocations
- separate into fractions
- remove impurities
- shred into flakes
- melt down the material
- extrude into pellets
- sterilize and package
- convey by conveyor belt
- transfer to storage tanks
Nouns & technical terms
conveyor belt, sorting plant, filtration unit, sedimentation tank, catalyst, mold, extrusion, pellets, flakes, residue, by-product, wastewater treatment
Adjectives & adverbs
automatically, manually, subsequently, thoroughly, continuously, heated to X°C (if temp given), finely, completely
Band 8+ Insight
Use precise verbs and nominal phrases: “The raw material is conveyed to a filtration unit where contaminants are eliminated.” This demonstrates control of formal, academic register.
6. Dos & Don’ts (Process version)
✅ Do’s
- Include a concise overview describing start & end and any cycles.
- Use sequencing language so steps are clearly ordered.
- Prefer passive voice for process description.
- Group small steps into phases to avoid a long list.
- Mention inputs/outputs where clear (what comes in and what leaves).
- Keep it factual, formal, and impersonal.
❌ Don’ts
- Don’t speculate about reasons not shown.
- Don’t write instructions (don’t use second person: “you should…”).
- Don’t insert irrelevant details or figures not in diagram.
- Don’t use future tense unless diagram indicates future or possibilities.
- Don’t repeat: avoid saying “then, then, then” without other connectors.
Band 8+ Insight
Avoid over-detailing tiny substeps unless they are distinct in the diagram. Grouping improves coherence and shows higher-level processing.
7. Common structures & sentence templates
Intro templates
- The diagram illustrates the process of [X].
- The flow chart shows how [X] is produced / recycled / manufactured.
Overview templates
- Overall, the process begins with [start] and finishes with [end], and consists of [n] main stages.
- In general, [X] is transformed from [raw] into [final] through a series of mechanical and chemical processes.
Body templates
- Initially, [raw material] is collected and transported to [place], where it is [action].
- Following this, the material is [action] and then [action], producing [intermediate].
- Meanwhile, [by-product/waste] is directed to [treatment].
- Finally, [final product] is packaged and dispatched for [use].
Sequencing patterns
- Initially… then… subsequently… finally…
- After being X-ed, it is Y-ed… (use -ing form after passive: “After being cleaned, the material is dried.”)
▶︎ Process Task 1 — Model task & guidance
Model answer (approx. 160–180 words)
The diagram illustrates the recycling process by which used plastic bottles are converted into plastic pellets suitable for reuse.
Overall, the process begins with collection and ends with the production and packaging of pellets; washing and treatment form an important sub-loop for wastewater. Initially, discarded bottles are collected from households and public bins and then transported to a sorting facility. At the facility, labels and caps are removed both manually and mechanically before the bottles are washed and passed through shredders to produce small flakes.
Following shredding, the flakes undergo a second washing stage and are then dried. The dried flakes are melted and extruded to produce plastic pellets, which then undergo quality control checks. Finally, the pellets are packaged for distribution. Wastewater produced during washing is channelled to a treatment plant, while the residual sludge is disposed of in landfill.
Practice & breakdown exercises (for beginners)
Step 1 — Identify major phases (2 min):
List three phases in the model: collection & sorting; washing & processing; melting & packaging.
Step 2 — Sequencing words (fill in):
Fill blanks: Initially, then, subsequently, finally — place them next to appropriate steps.
Step 3 — Passive practice (make sentences):
Turn these notes into passive sentences:
- “They collect bottles from households.” → Bottles are collected from households.
- “Workers remove labels.” → Labels are removed manually and mechanically.
Step 4 — Mini paragraph (80–100 words):
Describe phases 1–3 using passive voice and sequencing connectors.
Step 5 — Full write-up:
Combine mini paragraphs into 160–180 words.
Band 8+ Insight
In the model answer, notice the use of reduced relative and passive forms: “labels and caps are removed both manually and mechanically before the bottles are washed and passed through shredders” — this compresses detail and improves flow.
▶︎ Process Task 2 — Practice task & learner-friendly activities
Practice activities — stepwise (for struggling writers)
Step A — Vocabulary match (5 min):
Match verbs to nouns: mix → dough; bake → loaves; package → bread; cool → racks; deliver → ingredients.
Step B — Sentence building (10 min):
Convert notes into 6 simple passive sentences:
- Ingredients are delivered to the factory.
- The dough is mixed and left to prove.
- The dough is then shaped and baked.
Etc.
Step C — Grouping (5 min):
Group steps into preparation (delivery, mixing, proving), production (shaping, baking), finishing (cooling, slicing, packing).
Step D — Short overview practice (1–2 sentences):
Write an overview: Overall, the process converts raw ingredients into packaged bread through preparation, production and finishing stages.
Step E — Full write (150 words):
Use your sentences and groups to form a coherent 150-word report.
Band 8+ Insight
For beginners, the scaffolding (vocab → sentences → groups → overview → full write) builds confidence and structure. Advanced students should aim to compress steps into complex clauses and add passive linking phrases.
9. Common mistakes specific to process tasks (and fixes)
- Mistake: Using present progressive or future unnecessarily.
Fix: Use present simple passive — are mixed, are baked. - Mistake: Giving reasons or outcomes not shown.
Fix: Describe only what’s on the diagram. - Mistake: Listing steps with “Step 1, Step 2” repeatedly.
Fix: Use linking phrases and group-related steps into phases. - Mistake: Overlong, repeated passive clauses.
Fix: Vary sentence structure (combine clauses, use relative clauses).
10. Checklist before you submit
- Paraphrased introduction ✔
- Concise overview with start & end ✔
- Steps described in logical order ✔
- Passive voice used where appropriate ✔
- Grouped small steps into phases ✔
- No unsupported reasons/opinions ✔
- Around 150–180 words ✔
11. Advanced strategies (Band 8+) — quick reference
- Use accurate technical vocabulary if shown (e.g., “extruder,” “prover,” “rotary kiln”).
- Compress detail with relative clauses: “The dough, which has been allowed to prove for an hour, is shaped…”
- Use passive + sequencing adverbials: “Subsequently, the material is heated to 200°C, at which point it undergoes sintering.”
- If process has cycles, highlight them succinctly: “Wastewater is treated and recycled back into the washing stage.”
12. Final practice pack (do this daily)
- Pick any process diagram (manufacturing, recycling, cooking). Spend 2 minutes planning (phases). Write 150 words in 12 minutes.
- Swap with a peer or self-mark using the 4-color annotation method (TA/CC/LR/GRA).
- Replace 3 basic verbs with advanced collocations from this guide.
Closing
Process/flow-chart tasks reward clear thinking, careful sequencing, and accurate passive grammar. Use the 4-part structure, group steps into meaningful phases, and practise passive sequencing phrases. With the scaffolding and sample tasks above, your students — even those struggling with sentence structure — can produce coherent, examiner-friendly reports
Band 7 Sample Answer (161 words)
The diagram shows the process of recycling used plastic bottles into pellets.
Overall, the process starts with the collection of used bottles and ends with the packaging of recycled plastic pellets. The process involves seven main stages.
Firstly, used bottles are gathered from homes and public places and taken to a sorting centre. There, they are separated from other waste and their caps and labels are removed. After that, the bottles are washed and shredded into small pieces called flakes. These flakes are washed again to make sure they are clean and then dried. In the next step, the flakes are melted and changed into plastic pellets through an extrusion machine. Finally, the pellets are checked for quality and then packed and sent for reuse. Wastewater from the washing stage goes through a treatment plant.
🟡 Annotations & Feedback (Band 7)
| Feature | Comment |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement (TA) | ✔ Covers all steps, clear sequence. ❌ Overview is a bit short (mentions start & end only, not sub-loop). |
| Coherence & Cohesion (CC) | ✔ Logical order and connectors (firstly, after that, finally). ❌ Slightly repetitive sequencing. |
| Lexical Resource (LR) | ✔ Some topic vocabulary (flakes, extrusion, pellets). ❌ Lacks variety (washed repeated 3 times). |
| Grammar (GRA) | ✔ Mostly accurate passive forms. ❌ Simple sentence structure dominates; few complex clauses. |
| Estimated Band | 7.0 (Good coherence and accuracy; needs more advanced linking and lexical range.) |
💎 Band 9 Sample Answer (177 words)
The diagram illustrates the recycling procedure by which discarded plastic bottles are converted into reusable pellets.
Overall, the process begins with the collection and sorting of used bottles and culminates in the production of packaged plastic pellets. Wastewater generated during washing is also treated in a separate loop before disposal.
Initially, used plastic bottles are collected from domestic and public recycling bins and transported to a sorting facility. At this stage, non-recyclable materials are removed and bottle caps and labels are stripped off manually and mechanically. The bottles are then thoroughly washed and shredded into small flakes. These flakes undergo a secondary washing process and are subsequently dried to remove any remaining impurities. Following this, the clean flakes are melted and extruded into uniform pellets. The resulting pellets are inspected for quality before being packaged and distributed to manufacturers. Meanwhile, wastewater from the cleaning stages is directed to a treatment plant, and solid residues are sent to landfill.
🟢 Annotations & Feedback (Band 9)
| Feature | Comment |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement (TA) | ✅ Complete, precise, mentions all stages + side loop. Overview elegantly summarises the entire process. |
| Coherence & Cohesion (CC) | ✅ Smooth logical flow; excellent cohesion (Initially… At this stage… Following this… Meanwhile…). Grouped steps logically. |
| Lexical Resource (LR) | ✅ Excellent range (discarded, residues, impurities, extruded, uniform pellets). Accurate academic tone. |
| Grammar (GRA) | ✅ Varied complex sentences, passive constructions, relative clauses (which, where, before being). Perfect control. |
| Estimated Band | 9.0 (Natural flow, full coverage, strong cohesion, and accurate passive range.) |
⚖️ Band 7 vs Band 9 — Quick Comparison Table
| Criterion | Band 7 | Band 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Simple (start & end) | Analytical (mentions wastewater loop & final packaging) |
| Linkers | Basic (“firstly, then”) | Advanced (“At this stage, Following this, Meanwhile”) |
| Vocabulary | Repetitive | Precise and varied |
| Grammar | Mostly simple | Complex + reduced clauses |
| Cohesion | Step-by-step | Grouped phases for clarity |
| Tone | Neutral | Academic, formal, fluent |
Sample Process 2: “How Bread Is Mass-Produced in a Factory”
Band 7 Sample Answer (159 words)
The process shows how bread is produced in a factory.
Overall, there are seven main stages, starting from the delivery of ingredients and ending with the packaging and distribution of bread. Leftover crumbs are also reused.
Firstly, ingredients such as flour, water, and yeast are delivered to the bread factory. Then, they are mixed together in a machine to form dough. The dough is left to rest for about one hour so that it can rise. After that, it is shaped by another machine and then baked in large ovens. The baked loaves are then taken out and left to cool on racks. Finally, they are sliced, wrapped, and packed into boxes for delivery. During the process, some leftover crumbs are collected and used as animal feed.
🟡 Annotations & Feedback (Band 7)
| Feature | Comment |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement (TA) | ✔ Covers all steps clearly. ❌ Overview lacks mention of preparation–production–finishing grouping. |
| Coherence & Cohesion (CC) | ✔ Logical order and basic linking. ❌ Repetitive structure, little variety. |
| Lexical Resource (LR) | ✔ Some topic words (knead, rise, shaped, baked). ❌ Missing more advanced verbs (ferment, processed, distributed). |
| Grammar (GRA) | ✔ Mostly accurate passive use. ❌ Too many short, simple sentences. |
| Estimated Band | 7.0 — clear but mechanical flow, limited cohesion and range. |
💎 Band 9 Sample Answer (176 words)
The diagram outlines the industrial production of bread, from the delivery of raw ingredients to the packaging of finished loaves.
Overall, the process follows seven main stages that can be grouped into three phases: preparation, production, and finishing. The procedure begins with ingredient delivery and mixing, and ends with slicing and packaging, while leftover crumbs are repurposed for animal feed.
Initially, flour, water, yeast, and other additives are delivered to the factory and fed into large mixers where the dough is prepared. The dough is then left to prove for about an hour, allowing it to expand in volume. In the next phase, the risen dough is automatically shaped into loaves and transferred to industrial ovens for baking. Once baked, the bread is cooled on metal racks to prevent condensation. Finally, the cooled loaves are sliced, wrapped, and boxed for distribution. At the same time, residual crumbs from slicing are collected and processed as feed for livestock.
🟢 Annotations & Feedback (Band 9)
| Feature | Comment |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement (TA) | ✅ Fully developed; logical grouping of phases; clear mention of side process (crumb reuse). |
| Coherence & Cohesion (CC) | ✅ Seamless progression; elegant sequencing phrases (“Initially… In the next phase… Once baked… At the same time…”). |
| Lexical Resource (LR) | ✅ Wide, accurate range (prove, additives, expand in volume, condensation, residual crumbs, distribution). |
| Grammar (GRA) | ✅ Complex and precise; correct use of participial clauses and passives (having been baked, cooled on racks). |
| Estimated Band | 9.0 — flawless lexical and structural control. |
⚖️ Band 7 vs Band 9 — Quick Comparison Table
| Criterion | Band 7 | Band 9 |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | Generic | Grouped by phases + mentions sub-process |
| Linking | Simple (“then,” “after that”) | Natural cohesion (“in the next phase,” “once baked”) |
| Vocabulary | Basic | Technical and descriptive |
| Structure | List-like | Grouped, logical, smooth |
| Style | Informative | Analytical and academic |
| Band Level | 7.0 | 9.0 |
🧠 How to Train for Band 9
- Start with clear sequencing → Then learn to group stages.
- Move from simple passives → To complex clauses (relative + participle).
- Replace repetition → With nominalisation: “the collection of bottles,” “the preparation of dough.”
- Practice paraphrasing verbs: washed → cleaned → purified; baked → cooked → processed.
- Always mention loops, waste or secondary flows if visible.
✅ Final Takeaway
- Band 7 = safe and clear.
- Band 9 = structured, analytical, and elegant.
Clarity gets you Band 6.5–7.
Grouping, advanced vocabulary, and variety in grammar take you to Band 8–9.