TASK 1 Diagrams

2 Work in pairs. Look at the diagram below and answer the questions.
1 What process is illustrated in the diagram?
2 What type of diagram is this?
3 How could you summarise the entire process in one sentence?
4 How many steps are shown?
5 Should you write one sentence for each of the steps?
6 What step should you mention first?

Recycling glass
�----�

I
I

j Machines shape
and re-form the
melted glass into
bottles

B Sample questi on
3 Read the instructions and answer the question. Use the rules about the task from
Section A to help you. Then look at the sample answer on page 337. Which aspects of
the task did you find difficult?

IELTS PRACTICE TASK

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram shows the way in which wind-powered energy is created and transported to the consumer.
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the process.

Write at least 1 50 words.

Generating electricity with wind power

wind
su itable location high tension lines
0 consumers
rotor and blades turn

spinning generator creates

electrical output * •

11IU I
6 transformer converts �aw
storage batteries ------ (700 volts - > 38,000 volts]
electrical o u t p u t to useable form I
( if no wind I

ACADEMIC WRITING 219

 TASK 1 Diagrams

C Tips and tactics

4 Work in pairs. Read the tips and tactics and discuss these questions.
a Which tips and tactics do you think are the most useful?
b Did you use any of these tips and tactics when you answered the sample question
in Section 87
c Which tips will you use in the future?
The first step is to look carefully at the diagram. Look at each picture or stage. Don't rush
through this step. Make sure you understand the diagram before you start to write.
2 Underline important words in the question and identify what process is being presented
in the diagram.
3 Plan your writing. You can usually divide it into three paragraphs: introduction, first main
paragraph and second main paragraph.
4 Begin with an introductory sentence that describes the diagram or process in general,
but don't repeat the exact wording of the question.
5 Then write a sentence about the entire process, for example, write about the number of
steps and the beginning and ending of the process. Don't go into detail; just write about
the whole process. For example: The diagram shows the seven major stages involved
in . . .
6 Next, divide t h e steps shown in the diagram into two paragraphs. If the diagram shows
a single process, choose a logical point - one of the major stages in the process - and
divide your answer into two parts there.
7 You should try to mention all the steps in a process, but you can omit minor details.
8 Follow the order of the steps in the process. Usually, it's clear where a process begins.
I n the case of cyclical processes, choose the most logical starting point in the process.
9 Use sequencing words and phrases to separate the steps of the process, e.g. First of
all, . . . ; Next, . . . ; Finally . . .. etc.
10 You should generally use present passive verbs (is/are done) or passive modal verbs
(should be done, can be done) to describe the steps in the process.
11 For important steps, you may want to provide examples o r offer more explanation.
(Next, . . . should be done. In other words, . . . )
1 2 You can reuse technical terms from the labels on the diagram but write them i n your own
sentences.
13 No concluding paragraph i s necessary for this type o f response.
14 Remember, don't try t o explain why t h e information in t h e diagram appears t h e way i t
does o r give your opinion about t h e process.
1 5 Keep track of the time. Don't spend more than 20 minutes on Task 1.
16 Make sure your handwriting is clear and legible.
1 7 Keep i n mind t h e criteria that the examiners use t o mark your response. (For marking
criteria, see About the Academic Writing Test, page 1 80.)

220 ACADEMIC WRITING

 lfa1j+.rn;.iiji ti
..

D Skills-bui lding exercises

SEQUENCING WORDS AND PHRASES

These words or phrases can be used to describe the steps or stages of a process.
First, . . . First, a suitable location must be found.
First of all, . . . First of all, the water must be purified.
The first step/stage . .. The first step in starting a business is to write a business plan.
The process of . . . begins with . . . The process of mining begins with locating a rich source
of the mineral.

Next, . . . Next, the raw materials are cleaned.

The next step . . . The next step is to test the machine.
Then . .. Then the tank is filled with water /The water is first filtered and then poured into
the tank.
Following this .. . Following this, the valve must be opened.
The following step ... The following step is to collect as much information as possible.
After . . . After the two types of materials have been separated, they are stored in large
containers.
After this, . . . After this, you need to pre-heat the oven.
Once ... Once funds have been deposited, customers can write checks or withdraw cash.
Finally, . . . Finally, the adult female lays eggs and the process begins again.
The final step/stage . . . The final step is to make sure that all the parts are correctly
connected.
The last step/stage . . . The last step in applying to the university is to submit your
application before the deadline.

Q FOCUS 5 Look at the diagram about drying out a mobile phone. Then rewrite the steps in the
process using expressions in the language box to help you.
Using appropriate
sequencing words Step The phone must be removed from the water as soon as possible.
1:
and phrases Step The phone should be placed on paper towels.
2:
Step The case should be removed and the back of the phone taken off.
3:
Step The phone should be dried with a soft cloth.
4:
Step The battery and the SIM card should be removed. They should be dried off. (Write
5:
this as one sentence.)
Step 6: A vacuum cleaner can be used to remove remaining water from the inner sections of
the phone.
Step 7: The phone can be placed in a bag of uncooked rice overnight to soak u p any
remaining water.

Drying out a
mobile phone

Act q u ickly! Leave in bag at

least 24 hours

ACADEMIC WRITING 221

 TASK 1 Diagrams

VERB FORMS FOR PROCESS DIAGRAMS

In most process diagrams. the emphasis is on the action, not on the person. Therefore, you
will generally use verbs in the passive in your response.
Present passive The pigments are then mixed with oil. (Used to describe industrial,
agricultural, or business processes.)

Present perfect passive After a bill has been signed by the president,
it becomes law.
Once the students' papers have been graded, the results are recorded. (In clauses
beginning with the signal words Once or After . . . ) . . .

is + to + infinitive The first step is to take the patient's temperature. The final step is to
send the email.

Present simple active An adult butterfly emerges wet and shaky from its cocoon. (For
biological or other natural processes.)

Passive modal verbs Next, the can of paint should be thoroughly shaken.
The two holes must be lined up carefully. (In a response to a 'how to' process: how to paint
a room, how to change the oil in your car, etc.)

Imperative (Command) form First, break the eggs in a bowl and then add milk. Next, heat
the oil or butter in a pan. (Can also be used in responses to 'how to' processes.)

Q FOCUS 6 Look at the diagram which shows the steps involved in producing coffee. Then
complete the sentences describing the process. Use the correct verb forms.
Using the correct
verb forms to 1 The first step . . . ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ................. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .. . ...... . . . . . . . . . .

describe the steps 2 Then, the seedlings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .

in a process 3 Next. what are called the cherries . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4 The following step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . ....................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5 Once the green coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . in bags, it can . . . . . . . . . . .

GLOSSARY ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . in container ships.

•Cherries are the red 6 Green coffee is next ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .................... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

fruit of the coffee 7 After the coffee beans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ,

plant . 8 Coffee must . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . by professional tasters.
'After coffee has been 9 After that, the ground coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . in cans or bags
milled and before it and then it ..... . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . in stores.
has been roasted. it is 10 The final steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . and to enjoy it.
known as green coffee

The pictures show the steps involved in producing coffee.

Planting coffee Replanting seedlings Harvesting the Drying the cherries Milling: This removes Packing and
seeds outdoors cherries • the outer coaling of transporting the
the cherry. green coffee •

Tasting: Professional EnjoyI

transforms green
Roasting: This Grinding the beans Packing and selling Brewing

coffee Into aromatic

tasters check coffee
for quality and taste
brown beans

222 ACADEMIC WRITING