IELTS Writing Diagram Task 1: How to Answer
In the IELTS Writing Task 1 diagram task, you are required to analyse and summarise a visual process, flowchart, or cycle.
While the entire writing section allows 60 minutes, spending around 20 minutes on this task is recommended, as Task 2 carries more weight. Your summary should be at least 150 words, focusing on describing each stage clearly and concisely.
In the IELTS Writing Task 1 diagram, you may encounter various types of visuals like flowcharts, cycles, and processes. These diagrams often depict stages in production (e.g., making coffee), natural cycles (e.g., water cycle), or technical processes (e.g., electricity generation).
Unlike maps or data charts, which focus on locations or numerical trends, diagrams require you to explain a sequence of actions, transformations, or movements in a logical flow.
Here are some strategies to answer this section.
Analyse the Diagram
The diagram task is different from the charts. While charts contain numerical information such as statistics, percentages, and other data points, the diagram consists of textual information. This includes a sequence of events, a system of processes and more.
If your diagram is a sequence of events, you must describe each step in the process. If the diagram represents a component or structure, you'll need to describe the various elements and their relationships to one another.
The question will specify what exactly should be done. Here’s how it may look:
- The diagrams below show a structure used to generate electricity from wave power.
- Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.
Here’s how you can analyse these questions:
- Understand what the diagram represents. Identify the type of diagram (process diagram, flowchart, cycle diagram) and its key elements.
- Analyse the diagram components and note down their relationships.
- If the diagram depicts a process or sequence of events, analyse the flow or sequence of steps. Pay attention to the order of events.
- Consider how one element influences or depends on another and look for any cause-and-effect relationships.
- Look for any recurring steps or transitions.
Structuring Your Summary
There are different ways to structure your summary. The central theme should be to organise your thoughts in an understandable order and a logical sequence.
The standard writing format follows: Introduction, highlight main points and conclude.
Let’s break it down further.
- Introduction: Start by paraphrasing the task prompt and providing context for the diagram. Mention the type of diagram (e.g., process diagram, flowchart), its title, and any provided data source or time frame.
- Overview: Briefly highlight the main components or stages depicted in the diagram. Identify any key processes, sequences, or relationships between elements. Keep this section concise and focus on the most prominent features.
- Detailed Analysis: Delve into each component or diagram stage in detail. Describe each element's function, connection, or significance, highlighting any notable factors. Use specific details or labels from the diagram to support your analysis. You can also compare and contrast between elements wherever required. Keep this up for two paragraphs.
- Conclusion: Summarise the main features, patterns, or trends observed in the diagram. Review your summary and check for accuracy of the content. You must also check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
IELTS Writing Diagram Task 1: Sample Answer
IELTS Diagram Task 1 can only be cracked with practice! Here is a sample answer. Take inspiration from it and write your own!
Sample Answer:
The diagram illustrates the recycling process of waste glass bottles.
It shows three main stages: waste glass bottle collection, plant recycling, and new product delivery.
The process starts by collecting the waste water bottles at a designated point and transporting them to a recycling centre or cleaning plant via trucks. The bottles undergo a thorough cleaning process at the plant using high-pressure water to remove dust and other contaminants. They are then sorted into three categories based on colour: brown, green, and clear.
Subsequently, the sorted bottles are taken to a glass factory and crushed into smaller pieces. These pieces are then heated in a furnace at temperatures ranging from 600°C to 800°C, turning them into molten glass. The recycled molten glass is combined with new liquid glass and poured into moulds to create new bottles.
Once the new bottles are formed, they are filled with beverages, marking the completion of the glass recycling process. The process concludes as the filled bottles are then sold to supermarkets.
IELTS Writing Task Diagram: Vocabulary
In IELTS Writing Task 1, precise vocabulary is essential for clearly describing stages and movements, especially for diagrams. A varied and accurate vocabulary impacts your Lexical Resource score, helping to convey complex processes effectively. Using the right words can significantly enhance clarity and boost your overall score.
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