IELTS Writing Task 1

DESCRIBING PROCESSES & MAPS

WRITING TASK 1- SUMMARY REPORT – 20

MIN
WRITING TASK 2- ESSAY – 40 MIN
 Writing Task 1

The Writing Task 1 of the IELTS Academic

test requires you to write a summary of at least 150 words
in response to a particular graph (bar, line or pie graph),
table, chart, process (how something works, how
.something is done), or map
Bar graph -1
Pie chart -2
Line graph -3
Table -4
Process -5
-Map -6
:This task tests your ability

to select and report the main features-

to describe and compare data-

to identify significance and trends in factual-

information

.to describe a process -

 Important Information

.Do not spend more than 20 minutes on this task -1

.You should write at least 150 words -2
This task is worth only 33% of your total writing -3
.task
: You will be marked on -4
Task achievement (25%)-
-Coherence & Cohesion ( 25%)-
Vocabulary ( 25%) -
Grammar ( 25%) -
 :The general format for writing academic writing task 1 is as follows

:The first paragraph (2 sentences) -1

Introduction (Introductory sentence)
Basic/ General Trends (Overview statement= what is
obvious in the graph)

:The second Paragraph -2

Details and Description (comparison/ contrasting )

 
Process: describe the steps of how something is made
Map
 Describing a Process

A process will have a number of stages/steps that

 .are in time order

So, you should start at the beginning, and describe

.each stage through to the last one

:Here is an example
Brick Making
: Introduction

1st sentence- say what the process is about

2nd sentence- the number of stages, how it begins and
.how it ends

1st sentence- This diagram explains the process of

..…………………………………how
2nd sentence- There are ……………….stages, beginning
…………………with………………… and ending with
:Describing the details of the process-
.They dig up the clay using a digger. Active sentence -1
The clay is dug up using a large digger from the ground. Passive -

dig, 2 dug,3 dug 1

.They place the clay on a metal grid -2

.The clay is placed on a metal grid

.They add sand and water -3

.Sand and water are added

.They make bricks using a wire cutter or a mould -4

.Bricks are made using a wire cutter or a mould
To begin, The clay is dug up using a large digger from
the ground. Next, the clay is placed on a metal grid.
Sand and water are added. Following this, bricks are
.made using a wire cutter or a mould
 Introduce the Diagram

:As with any task 1, you can begin by paraphrasing the question

The question: The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture
bricks for the building industry.
Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features
.and make comparisons where relevant

.The diagram explains/shows the way in which bricks are made for the building industry

1st sentence: The diagram shows/explains/ illustrates the steps/stages of how bricks are
.made for the building industry

As you can see, this has been taken from the question, but it has not been copied. You
.need to write it in your own words
 Highlight the Main Points

An IELTS process diagram is different to a line, bar, pie chart or-

table in that there are not usually key changes or trends to
 .identify

.However, you should still give an overview of what is taking place-

As there are no trends to comment on, you can make a comment-

on, for example, the number of stages in the process and how
:it begins and ends

Overall, there are eight stages in the process, beginning

.with the digging up of clay and ending in delivery
 Give the Detail

Now you need to explain the IELTS process diagram,-

and there are two key aspects of language associated
:with this

Time Connectors )1
A process is a series of events, one taking place after
the other.  Therefore, to connect your stages, you
 .’should use ‘time connectors
 : Here is the rest of the answer with the time connectors highlighted

To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is dug up from the “
ground by a large digger. This clay is then placed onto a metal
grid, which is used to break up the clay into smaller pieces. A roller
.assists in this process

Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this
mixture is turned into two differing types of brick by either placing
it into a mold or using a wire cutter. Next, these bricks are placed
.in an oven to dry for 24 – 48 hours

After that, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process.

They are heated in a kiln at a moderate and then a high
temperature (ranging from 200c to 1300c), followed by a cooling
process in a chamber for 2 – 3 days. Finally, the bricks are packed
”.and delivered to their destinations
 IELTS process diagram connectors

To begin
Following this
Next
Then
After
After that
Before
Subsequently: next
Finally- last stage
 Give the Detail

The Passive )2
:Most sentences use this structure
Subject + Verb + Object

.A large digger digs up the clay in the ground

In the active voice (as above), the digger is doing the
.verb i.e. the digger is doing the digging
When we use the passive voice, we make the object
(the clay) the subject and make the subject (the
.digger) the object
We also add in the verb ‘to be’ and the past participle
.(or Verb 3)
.The clay in the ground (V) is dug up (O) by the digger )S(
So, throughout most of your description for your
IELTS process diagram, you should be using the
 .passive voice
 :Here is the same example description with uses of the passive highlighted

To begin, the clay (which) is used to make the bricks is dug up from“

the ground by a large digger. This clay is then placed onto a metal
grid, onto a metal grid, which is used to break up the clay into
.smaller pieces. A roller assists in this process

Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this
mixture is turned into bricks by either placing it into a mold or
using a wire cutter. Next, these bricks are placed in an oven to dry
.for 24 – 48 hours

In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling

process. They are heated in a kiln at a moderate and then a high
temperature (ranging from 200c to 1300c), followed by a cooling
process in a chamber for 2 – 3 days. Finally, the bricks are
”.packed and delivered to their destinations
 ! Practice

The diagram shows the stages involved in the

.process of making leather goods

Summarise the information by selecting and

reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150
words
 !Let’s Write

!Describe the diagram -

:Introduction
This diagram explains/illustrates the steps/ the stages
of how leather goods are produced/ manufactured.
Overall, there are nine stages beginning with drying
animal skin and ending with producing leather goods
.such shoes and bags
This diagram explains/illustrates the steps/ the stages of how leather goods are produced/
manufactured. Overall, there are nine stages beginning with drying animal skin and ending
.with producing leather goods such shoes and bags

To begin, the animal skin is dried in air. Next, it is moved/transferred by trucks to a factory.
.After that, the animal skin is washed using water and lime. Then it is soaked in lime

Following this, the animal skin is pushed through a roller to flatten it. After that, it is soaked
in tannin which is a mixture of water and vegetable matter. Next, the animal skin is polished
.to improve its appearance

Finally, it is loaded into trucks to be moved to a factory to produce/ manufacture leather

.goods such as bags and shoes
 Sample Answer

The diagram illustrates how animal skins are processed in order to produce a
.range of leather items such as shoes, handbags and toys

In the initial stages of the process, the skin is air-dried before being loaded onto
trucks and taken to a nearby factory where it undergoes
.two chemical treatments to clean and soften it

Firstly it is washed with a mixture of water and lime, and then it is soaked
in concentrated/pure lime and pushed through a rolling machine in
order to flatten it, after which it is submerged in a vat of tannin, which is a
.substance derived from vegetables

The last stage involves polishing the leather with a roller to improve its
appearance. The pieces are subsequently transported by road to a processing
factory where they are made into a number of everyday products like
.footwear and sports items in preparation for shipping
 Describing Maps

In Task 1 of the Academic Writing component of the IELTS exam, you

.may be asked to describe a map or plan

The diagram will be of a building, street, village, city or town plan that
may ask you to contrast the past and present, or the present and
.future

There will also be a key that explains different locations on the map or
.a reference to roads and routes

You are expected to write a 150-word description of the information on

the map, which will probably include buildings, routes or proposed
.changes for the future
 ! Here is an Example

Imagine that your task is to examine

before and after illustrations of an
island that has been turned into a
resort and describe the changes
.that have occurred
The two maps show an island, before and after it was
developed for tourism. Overall, The island was
completely changed/transformed by building a hotel
and a pier; however, the eastern part of the island was
.left undeveloped

:Introduction
…1st – tell us what the map shows
!2nd- tell us about the most obvious change
For this task, it is clearly not enough to name what is
new. Don’t just describe what’s there, describe
.the relationship between what’s there

For example, do not simply say “there is a pier there

that wasn’t there before.” What relationship does
  ?this have to the big picture

.Remember, you must be able to provide an overview

There is a pier. ( No !)
A pier gives access to the island and is linked to the reception building by
a vehicle track. ( Yes !)

There are roads and footpaths. ( No !)

Roads and footpaths connect the various:different parts of the islands.
( Yes !)

There is a reception building. ( No !)

There is a restaurant. ( No!)

A reception building and a restaurant are at the center of the island and
are linked to accommodation by footpaths. ( Yes!)
There are buildings for accommodation. (No!)

Small accommodation buildings are arranged in two

circles, one to the east of reception, and one to the
west. ( Yes!)

Your description should illustrate the main points well

enough to help someone who hasn’t seen the maps
.imagine them
 Structure of Your Response

Paragraph 1- Paraphrase Sentence

.Paraphrase question using synonyms

Paragraph 2- Overview
Make two general statements about the map. You should describe
the maps generally and write about the most noticeable differences
.between the two maps
.You could ask yourself the following questions to identify general changes
?Is the map more or less residential
?Is there more or less countryside
?Are there more or less trees
?Were the changes dramatic or negligible
?Were there any major improvements in infrastructure
?How have the buildings and leisure facilities changed
Paragraph 3- Main Body 1
Three to four sentences about specific changes that
.have occurred
Paragraph 4- Main Body 2
Further three to four sentences about specific changes
.that have occurred
You can group information together in paragraph 3
and 4 by time or location, depending on the question
.asked
 !Language to Describe General Changes=Overview

.Over the period, the area witnessed dramatic changes -1

From 1995 to 2005, the city centre saw spectacular -2
.developments
The village changed completely/ considerably over the time -3
.period
During the 10 year period, the industrial area was totally -4
.transformed
Over the past 20 years, the residential area was totally -5
reconstructed./rebuilt / built
.Over the time period, the old docks were totally redeveloped -6
.Between 1995 and 2005, the old houses were rebuilt -7
The central business district was completely modernised -8
.during the time period
: The area/ island/ city center/ village was -
completely changed by -1
totally transformed by -2

:The area/ island/ city center/ village saw -

Big changes -
Great developments -
 Language to Describe Specific Changes

Buildings– demolished/removed, knocked-down, flattened,

replaced, renovated, built, constructed, reconstructed, developed,
.extended, expanded, relocated, converted and modernized
:Examples
The government demolished the industrial estate
.and developed a sports ground
.They removed the shops and replaced it with a skyscraper
.A port was constructed at the edge of the river
The factory in the city centre was demolished and relocated to
.the north of the city
.The old warehouses were replaced with new hotels
.The factory was converted into apartments
built/ constructed -
.A shopping center is built/constructed
Demolished / removed -
.A residential building was demolished
Relocated -
.The parking lot was relocated to the north of the town
Changed into/ converted to -
.The building was converted to a school

Replaced -
.The parking lot was replaced by a school
Trees and Forests- cleared, cut-down, chopped-
.down, removed, planted
:Examples
The forest was cut-down and replaced with a
.shopping centre
.The trees were cleared to make way for houses
Roads, bridges and railways lines- constructed, built,
.extended, expanded and removed

The main road was extended and a new bridge built over

.the river

.Leisure facilities- opened, set up, developed

:Examples
.A skate park was set up next to the swimming pool
.A park was developed beside the forest
 Language to Describe Locations

You will also be expected to describe where things are

.maps and describe where changes have occurred

You can use ‘to the left’ and ‘to the right’, but a better
.’way is to use ‘north’, ‘south’, ‘east’ and ‘west
:Examples
.The forest to the south of the river was cut down
.A golf course was constructed to the north of the airport
The houses in the south-west of the town were
.demolished
The green fields to the north-west of the city were
.redeveloped as a park
The airport in the centre of the city was relocated to
.the north-east of the river
The school to the south-east was knocked down and a
.new one built to the east of the forest
.…… The……………is to the north/west/east/south of -
Finally, you will also be expected to use prepositions
of place, e.g. at/in/on/by/beside/to/off/from, to
.describe where things are
:Examples
.Dramatic changes took place in the city centre
To the south of the town, there is a golf course
.surrounded by trees
.A new school was built next to the swimming pool
The old road running from north to south was replaced
.by a new motorway
.A marina was built on the banks of the river
 !Let’s Write

Introductory Statement
Overview =General Changes

The two maps show an island, before and after it was developed for tourism. Overall, The island was
completely changed/transformed by building a hotel and a pier; however, the eastern part of the island
.was left undeveloped

The most noticeable difference is the hotel rooms. There are 6 accommodation buildings to the west of the
reception building and 9 accommodation buildings were constructed to the east of the reception
building. There are arranged in circles and linked with each other, the reception building and the
.restaurant by a footpath

A pier was built to give access to the island. It is linked to the reception building and the restaurant by a
vehicle track. The restaurant and the reception building are at the center of the island, and they are
.linked by vehicle tracks. To the west of the island, there is a beach for swimming

Body Paragraph= General Changes

 Sample Answer

.Both maps display an island, before and after it was developed for tourism

The island is approximately 250 metres long, has palm trees dotted around it, is
surrounded by ocean and has a beach to the west. Over the period, the island
was completely transformed with the addition of a hotel and a pier; however,
.the eastern part of the island appears to have been left undeveloped

The most noticeable additions are the hotel rooms. 6 buildings, surrounding
some trees, have been built in the west of the island and 9 buildings have been
constructed in the centre of the island.  Between the two accommodation
.areas, a reception building and a restaurant have been developed

A pier has also been built on the south coast of the island, allowing yachts
access to the resort. Apart from the trees, the beach remains the only natural
feature to remain relatively untouched; however, it does appear that it is now
used for swimming. ( 160 words)
 ! Practice

The maps below show the centre of a small

town called Islip as it is now, and plans for
.its development

Write a 150-word report describing the

.proposed changes for a local committee
 !Let’s Write

Write a 150-word report describing the

.proposed changes for a local committee
 Sample Answer

The diagrams illustrate some proposed changes to the

.central area of the town of Islip

It is clear that the principal change to the town will be

the construction of a ring road around the centre.
Various other developments with regard to shops
and housing will accompany the building of this
.road
Looking at the map of Islip as it is now, we can see that a main
road runs through its centre from east to west. The second
map shows the planned pedestrian path of this road. Traffic
will be diverted on to a dual carriageway that will form a ring
.around the town centre

Currently there is a row of shops along either side of the main

road. However, it appears that the shops along the north side
of the new pedestrian street will be demolished to make way
for a bus station, shopping centre, car park and new housing
area. The shops along the south side of the street will remain,
but it seems that the town’s park will be reduced in size so that
.more new houses can be built within the ring road
 ! More Practice

The diagram shows proposed changes to

.Foster Road
Write a 150-word report describing the
.proposed changes for a local committee
! Practice
 Sample 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