Writing Task 1 – How to write the Process or Diagram Essay

The process/diagram essay should also have 4 consistent paragraphs.

Once you’ve practiced this approach, you should feel much more confident in how to tackle  a diagram. You can use this strategy every time.

Here we go:

1. Look at the diagram carefully. Make sure you understand the process and all the labels.
2. Identify the different main stages of the process. If there are lots of steps, can you group them into stages from the beginning to end?

Once you’re clear on the stages and steps (mark them out on the paper so you can easily see it), plan on writing 4 paragraphs:

1. Introduction. This is actually one sentence which paraphrases the explanation of the process in the task question.
2. Overview of the process by stating the main stages from the beginning to the end. Don’t mention the individual steps (save those for paragraphs 3 & 4). You can state what happens at the very beginning and the end result.
3. (Divide the stages in two). Start describing the first steps in the first stages.
4. Describe the steps in the later stages, ending with the final result.

Here’s a recent example from ielts.org’s sample Task 1.

The diagram below shows the process by which bricks are manufactured for the building industry.

Here’s the essay organization:

1. Introduction. Paraphrase the task question – The diagram illustrates how bricks are made in the construction industry.
2. Describe the overview of the process. It’s divided into 4 stages: digging for clay & filtering it;  making mixture & forming bricks; drying/baking/cooling;  packaging & delivery. I divided it this way so it’s easy to divide into 2 paragraphs.
3. First 2 stages: digging for clay & filtering it; making mixture & forming bricks.
4. Last 2 stages: drying/baking/cooling; packaging & delivery.

Remember, no conclusion is needed for Task 1. You are only describing a process.

Here is my sample essay for the above diagram on how bricks are manufactured:

The diagram illustrates how bricks are made in the construction industry.

There are four stages in this process, starting with digging for raw materials, mixing and shaping the bricks, then baking and cooling the bricks before they are ready for shipment in the final stage.

The process begins with digging for clay, a type of sticky soil often used for making pots as well. It is then sifted with a metal grid to remove any rocks or debris onto a roller, then mixed with sand and water. From there, the bricks are either formed and shaped by wire cutters or a mould.

Once shaped, the bricks are left to dry in a drying oven for 24 to 48 hours before being fully baked twice. They are first baked in a moderate kiln at 200 to 980 C, then baked again at a higher temperature of 870 to 1300 C. From there, they are left to cool in a special chamber for 48 to 72 hours. After they have completely cooled, the bricks are packaged for delivery to various construction sites.

(180 words)

*Note, the information I add about the clay is actually stated on the diagram at the bottom, however it didn’t come out in my picture unfortunately.