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Describe stages of a natural or man-made process.
Process diagrams use passive voice. Choose the sentence that describes a stage correctly.
Process diagram (excerpt): Stage 3 — collected paper is mixed with hot water in a vat to form pulp.
Which sentence describes Stage 3 in correct Task 1 register?
Process diagrams require describing stages in sequence rather than comparing data. Use 4 paragraphs: Introduction, Overview, Body 1 (first half of stages), Body 2 (second half). Opening templates: 'The diagram illustrates the process of...' / 'The figure depicts how [X] is produced/manufactured/recycled.' Identify the type: natural process (e.g., water cycle), manufactured process (e.g., cement production), or life cycle (e.g., a frog). Count the stages and note where the process starts and ends.
Crucially, decide if it is linear (clear start/finish) or cyclical (loops back). The overview should mention: total number of stages, where it begins, where it ends, and whether it is natural/man-made/cyclical. Template: 'Overall, the process consists of [X] main stages, beginning with [first step] and ending with [final step]. It is a [linear/cyclical] process that requires [machinery/no human intervention].' Use the passive voice extensively because processes describe what is done to materials, not who does it: 'is heated,' 'is collected,' 'are transported,' 'is then mixed with.' Sequencing language is critical: 'Firstly,' 'In the first stage,' 'To begin with,' 'Next,' 'Subsequently,' 'Following this,' 'Afterwards,' 'In the penultimate step,' 'Finally,' 'In the last stage.' For simultaneous steps: 'At the same time,' 'Meanwhile,' 'Concurrently.' For purpose: 'in order to,' 'so that,' 'for the purpose of.' For cause-effect within steps: 'as a result,' 'which causes,' 'leading to.' Use connectors that show flow: 'before,' 'after,' 'once,' 'as soon as,' 'until.' Reference the diagram's labels exactly—if it says 'fermentation tank,' use that term.
Present simple is the default tense (passive form) since processes are timeless. Do not invent stages or add information not shown. Avoid comparison vocabulary—this task is about sequence, not contrast. No conclusion needed; aim for 170–190 words.
Task Achievement: examiner checks that all stages are covered in the correct order, the overview identifies number of stages and start/end points, and labels from the diagram are used accurately. Skipping or misordering steps damages this score. Coherence & Cohesion: sequencing connectors must be varied and accurate. Paragraphs should split logically (e.g., before/after a key transition). Lexical Resource: process-specific vocabulary (stage, phase, undergoes, transforms into) and accurate reuse of diagram labels. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: passive voice mastery is essential; examiner expects 'is/are + past participle' constructions used correctly throughout. Mix simple and complex sentences with sequence and purpose clauses.
Tactical content is original synthesis based on these public IELTS prep resources.