What you need to know about IELTS Maps

Before you start learning how to describe maps or plans in IELTS Task 1, it would be useful for you to study these articles first.

If you are familiar with the content you can continue to the next section.

IELTS TASK 1 Describing changes and trends         

IELTS TASK 1 Working correctly with numbers      

IELTS TASK 1 Increase your band score with Adjectives/Adverbs

IELTS TASK 1 Using Compare and Contrast language

When writing about maps there are usually two main features that you need to notice;

the comparison of two or more features in the past

and changes over a period of time.

For this type of essay, it is standard to write a four-paragraph essay, namely;

an introduction, an overview and one or two body paragraphs 

Have a look at my articles below if you need further information

How to write an Introduction

How to write an Overview     

How to write the main Bodies  

If you are confident in these areas you can now study the maps below and look at the suggested structure:

Writing about Maps

Although it’s a less common type of question in the writing test (you’re more likely to get a Graph and Chart question) sometimes you will get an IELTS Map that needs to be described.

Question adapted from

The Cambridge Official Guide to IELTS

and

Official IELTS Practice Materials 2

This format of question is very visual and therefore seems easier to answer than other formats, and because they are less common, students often prepare less for it.

This is a mistake as it is really important to be prepared for all types of IELTS questions.

But, the good news is that the preparation won’t take as long as you might think.

There are different types of maps and the most common you will see is the past and present or near present comparison.

It’s important to use specific vocabulary related to this task and the grammar needed here would be prepositions, the past tense and present perfect passive necessary to describe change.

You would also need to use specific language that shows location and change.

Often there will be a compass or a measurement key which will help you with describing the map and adds to the language you can use.

More Good News!

Map Questions follow the same format as any IELTS Task 1:

This is

1. Introduce the map
2. Give an overview of the main point/s (necessary for Band 6 and above)
3. And provide the detail

This post will explain:

• The two types of map question
• The tried and tested method for answering any map question
• How to write the introduction
• How to write about the detail showing location and time.
• How to finish with a great overview
• The commons mistakes IELTS students make

What is an IELTS Map Question?

These questions can be divided into two types: past and present maps

These will show a development over a period of time or will compare changes in the past or the past and the present day.

Occasionally, you may need to use the future tense when a plan or predicted development is suggested.

Official IELTS practice questions have featured maps of towns, cities, villages, rural areas, schools and university grounds as well the interior of buildings.

More good news is that the same skills and principles can be applied to any map, whether in the past or present.

Let’s consider a typical question first. 

“The two maps show changes in the town of Poleham between the years 1980 to 2010.”

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Question adapted from

The Cambridge Official Guide to IELTS

and

Official IELTS Practice Materials 2

A Good Teacher’s Guide to IELTS Planning.

Any good teacher will tell you that to be effective in Task 1 you need to understand the task quickly and plan an answer quickly too. You can do this like so:

Get an overall visual understanding of the map.

1. Paraphrase the question
2. Note the number of changes
3. Consider an overview
4. Divide the process into past and present
5. Include time to proofread your writing

Gaining an overall understanding of the map

A map has a number of features that require vocabulary related to location and time.

You can often use a key, a compass or measurement scale to help build sentences and vocabulary.  So, you start at the beginning, by comparing the obvious differences between the maps.

In the example above, these differences are fairly obvious.  Noticeable features are the increase in houses and decrease in farmland.

However, maps are not always as clear as this, and you may need to look more carefully to notice changes.

It’s quite a challenge to write about something you have never seen, so it is important that you look at other sample maps to get a good understanding of how they might vary.

Don’t worry, Band 9 essays are written by exam specialists.

Your writing doesn’t need to be perfect; you only have 15 minutes and just need to notice the main features and report them in an accurate way with an overview.

TOP TIPS for understanding

• Identify the obvious features and changes 
• Is it a past situation present or near present?
• Count the number of changes?
• If there is a key, what information is provided on the first map?
• If there is a key, what information is provided on the second map?
• Is there a time label on the maps?
• Are the maps to scale, if so, what is the scale and units?
• Is there a compass to help describe location?

By answering these questions, you will have already started planning your essay

Good News –

Remember the IELTS task is not there to trick you, and you won’t be given a complicated process to describe.

Your task is to report effectively and accurately. This means notice all the changes and provide an overview.

Do this and then focus on your vocabulary and grammar score.

Introducing the Diagram

Introducing the Diagram

Any map question will generally follow the same format, like this example.

Firstly, there will be some general information (1) about the map followed by the specific instructions (2).

The two maps show the changes in the town of Poleham between the years 1980 to 2010. (1)

Summarise the information be selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. (2)

Write at least 150 words. (2)

 

Top Tip

As with any Task 1, you can begin by paraphrasing sentence (1)

This is the rubric or instructions.

Paraphrasing is a task that is worth learning to do well, and a good knowledge of paraphrasing will also help you in the Reading, Listening and Speaking part of the test.

Simply put, paraphrasing for IELTS means using different words and/or word order so the original meaning remains the same.

In order to remain the same, different words need to be synonyms, so Man, male and person have a similar meaning, they are synonymous, but man, male, person and girl are not all synonymous.

To show you how this works, look at my paraphrasing example for the question, rubric and instructions.

The two maps who the changes in the town of Poleham between the years 1980 to 2010.

Paraphrase 1

The maps show how the town of Poleham has changed from 1980 to 2010.

Paraphrase 2

The two maps illustrate the development of a small town called Poleham between 1980 and 2010.

Paraphrase 3

The two maps illustrate the main developments which have taken place in Poleham from 1980 to 2010.

As you can see, all the information in the three sentences has been taken from the question, but it has not been copied directly.

Not such good news!

If you do copy directly, then those words are not used towards the word count and you will fail on TASK ACHIEVEMENT.

Not paraphrasing will also affect your grammar and vocabulary score.

By the way, using formulaic language or memorised phrases are also ignored by examiners and this will also affect your grammar and vocabulary score.

Remember, you need to write the introduction in your own words.

“The two maps illustrate the main developments which have happened in a small town called Poleham from 1980 to 2010.”

In any Academic Task 1 question you can rewrite (paraphrase) the questions and this will be the first paragraph.

Well done!

Now you can then move on further and consider the next section, the Overview.

Overview of the Map

The ‘public band descriptors’ state that to achieve a Band 6 or above for ‘task response’ the student must provide an overview in a Task 1.

Without one, you are less likely to get a high score.

If you started planning at the beginning, then writing a good overview will be a lot easier near the end.

Remember, the questions I asked you to consider.

These should be sufficient to provide the 2 sentences you need to construct the basic overview.

Recap:

• Identify the obvious features and changes 
• Select the most important differences to write about first
• Is it a past situation present or near present?
• Count the number of changes?
• Include information using the key, scale or compass if included

An IELTS map is different to a chart or table as there aren’t usually any key changes or trends to identify.

So, as there are no trends to comment on, you could mention, for example, the obvious differences or changes are……

’Overall, rural areas have decreased and the area running along the main road has become more urbanised’

Providing the Detail

Now that you have completed paraphrasing the question and given the overview, the next stage is to explain the IELTS map in detail.

You can do this by:

• Stating the significant changes
• Stating the significant features that remain
• Use prepositions to describe location and changes
• Include detail from the key, scale or compass

Before you do this, you need to consider the most suitable language that reflects the sophistication of the task.

Most of this language is ‘generic’ and as a learner you may already know this language.

The key to a high-scoring band score is whether you can you use it accurately though?

Consider your language choices!

In order to describe a map well there are three key aspects of language to be considered.

These are vocabulary, prepositions and choice of grammar.

1) Key Vocabulary for describing Maps

Vocabulary to describe changes is commonly generic and often used in the passive tense.

The disused factories were knocked down and removed.

The surrounding area was then redeveloped into a number of retail parks and green areas.

Note that in order to describe changes which have happened, the passive tense is used.  

Why? In academic writing the passive is used to discuss process, stages, changes and trends.

• The fire station was extended, and the parking area was enlarged to allow for more cars.
• The wooded area was cut down and removed and a new student building was constructed.
• The children’s play area was reconstructed nearer to the entrance and a wildlife habitat was put in its place.
• A metro substation was planned with the introduction of a new connecting line.
• The poultry buildings were updated and enlarged with solar PV panels providing power.
• The school had the sports facilities modernised and a covered area for spectators was constructed.  
• The outdated housing was replaced with a modern housing complex.

2) Vocabulary for showing location

When describing the location of something on a map you should use generic phrases like

• to the north of
• to the west of
• to the south of
• north east of

and

• in the north, in the south, in the southeast etc…

Prepositions are needed to describe a location on a map. Generic prepositions are;

• along
• across from
• beside
• between
• from north to west
• from east to west
• nearby
• next to
• not far from
• opposite
• over

Generic phrases examples:

• The hedge and trees to the south of the river were cut down and a new student building was built.
• A small hydro-electric dam was constructed on the river to the south of the city.
• The overflow carpark to the north of the university was removed and a new student residential complex was constructed in its place.
• The science park to the north west of the metro station was expanded.

Examples using prepositions:

• A drop off area from bicycles was positioned next to the university buildings.
• New houses and flats were constructed next to high school.
• The small wood near the river was cleared.
• A new light railway running from east to south was built.
• The public footpath from the bridge to the school was widened.
• Electric charging facilities for cars were added in the retail area.
• The education quarter across from the park was extended to the south and new sports facilities were also built.

3) Vocabulary for describing change over time

There are generally three tenses that are commonly used with maps.

• The present perfect tense
• The past tense
• and the future tense for future plans and predictions.

These are often used as passive constructions as in this example.

• The small wood near the river was cut down.

When we describe change, the present perfect and the present perfect passive is often used. 

• The small wood near the river has been cut down.

The past simple passive can also be used to suggest something was completed in the past.

• The small wood near the river was cut down.

Here, there is a prediction, so ‘going to’ passive is used.

• The small wood near the river is going to be cut down.

Time phrases are often used such as:

• over the 30-year period
• between 1908 and 1928
• from 1980 to 2000
• over the years
• in the last 30 years
• in the years after 1980

The present perfect and The present perfect passive often show that something started in the past and was completed or even up to the present moment.

Note: The Past Perfect is not used when describing maps in IELTS.

Examples:

• The town has seen many significant changes.
• The east of the town has become more industrialised.
• A swimming pool has been built.
• The football ground has been modernised.

These sentences below are often used to give an overview of the main differences between two maps.

• Over the 30 year period the area has seen significant changes especially to the rural areas which have been redeveloped. (Present perfect  x 2)
• Between 1908 and 1928 the old manufacturing was replaced by urban and retail areas. (Past simple passive)
• From 1980 to 2010 a new housing estate was constructed where a school once stood. (Past simple passive + past simple)
• The number of wooded and green spaces have changed over the two decades and have mostly been replaced by residential. buildings. (Present perfect and passive)
• In the period from 1990 onward, the leisure facilities were completely renovated. (Past simple passive)
• The city centre has seen dramatic changes over the years. (Present perfect)
• In the years after 1990 the city centre was extensively modernised. (Past simple passive)

Further examples

• The town used to be heavily industrialised but it has become more residential in the last two decades.
• The town used to have many green spaces, but it has become urbanised in the last 20 years.
• The outskirts of the town used to be rural but have now become urban areas.

• A new stadium has been built and more sports facilities have been opened over the years.

The Overview

Remember that the overview usually comes just after the introduction.

The overview should be a general, short statement about the most significant differences or changes between the maps. 

Be careful not to confuse the overview with describing details.

For example,

‘There are now more houses than fields’

 would be regarded as detail whereas

’Overall, rural areas have decreased and the area running along the main road has become more urbanised’

 is a general statement that shows a development or change.  

Now you have the overview, you can add the two Body Paragraphs using the language and vocabulary above.

The Body Paragraphs

While the river, the bridge and the main road remain in the same position the most obvious changes have been from rural to urban areas. The rural areas of farmland to the south of the old town seem to have disappeared and have started to be replaced by residential development running parallel to the main road. In the north, east of the river, the shops that once existed have been replaced by a cul-de-sac and the shops have gone. In the same area, on the opposite side of the main road, the land used for farming has also been replaced by a cul-de-sac and housing and the footpath that ran from north to south has disappeared.

The final notable change has been the change in use of the large house in the centre of the map. Its gardens have been built over with houses and a road constructed to the house which has been considerably extended and in 2010 was used as a retirement home.

Being accurate by providing variety in your language

One final tip for a higher score is variation in language.

It’s a good idea to avoid repetition when using verbs

The town had been enlarged/extended. The car park was removed/replaced.

The same can apply to nouns too,

For example, the noun farmland can be called fields.

Common Errors

A very basic error seen in Task 1 introduction is basic verb agreement.

Look at the two genuine examples below

The map show

The maps shows

In both examples it is unclear about the number of nouns discussed

Here is the correction:

The maps show 

(a number of images) (plural noun = Verb 3^rd Person Plural)

The map shows

(one diagram) (singular noun = Verb 3^rd Person singular)

Common Errors using the Present Simple Passive

• Make sure you practise the passive so you know exactly how to use it.

Also, as you will see from the description, it is more unusual to comment on who or what is doing the action so the ‘by….” phrase is often excluded.

• Singular or Plural

Notice these examples are incorrect.

The fields has been removed. The school have been extended.

This is a really common mistake in Task 1 writing!

Here are the corrections:

The fields have been removed

Have – Auxiliary Verb Plural

The school has been extended

Has – Auxiliary Verb Singular

Finally, check your Essay!

Ideally, you need to allow 3 to 4 minutes at the end of the test to check and improve your writing.

Often students don’t do this because they spend 20 minutes writing, but it is far better to write for about 15 minutes and allow 5 minutes to check and improve your writing.

From my experience the points you should check for are:

• Are there any obvious spelling or punctuation errors?
• Are the verbs the correct tense?

Additionally, you should consider these questions, but if you followed my planning advice you should be ok.

• Do the verbs agree with the subject?
• Does the description make sense? Does it follow the visual?
• Is there any repetition in vocabulary?
• Could this be improved with synonyms?
• Have I written over 150 words?
• Have I organised the text into at least 3 paragraphs?
• Have I noticed only the obvious features from the map?
• Have I included the prominent features in the overview?
• Have I NOT included my personal opinion?

Once you have done this, be proud of the final product!

Question adapted from

The Cambridge Official Guide to IELTS 

and 

Official IELTS Practice Materials 2

Sample Answer 1 Describing Maps.

The two maps illustrate the main developments which have happened in a small town called Poleham from 1980 to 2010.

Overall, rural and green areas have decreased and the area running along the main road has generally become more urbanised’

While the river, the bridge and the main road remain in the same position the most obvious changes have been from rural to urban areas. The rural areas of farmland to the south of the old town seem to have disappeared and have started to be replaced by residential development running parallel to the main road. In the north, east of the river, the shops that once existed have been replaced by a cul-de-sac and the shops have gone. In the same area, on the opposite side of the main road, the land used for farming has also been replaced by a cul-de-sac and housing and the footpath that ran from north to south has disappeared.

The final significant difference has been the change in use of the large house in the centre of the map. Its gardens have been built over with houses and a road constructed to the house which has been considerably extended and in 2010 was used as a retirement home.

Sample Answer 2 Describing Maps.

The two maps show the layout changes of a school over a 20-year time period to accommodate an increase in student numbers. In order to do this, it is clear that there will be both additional buildings and parking spaces while there will be a reduction in outdoor sports facilities and green or wooded areas.

In 2004, access to the school was by road in the south-east. The original layout consisted of a single car park located near the main entrance to the school and two school buildings separated by a path. The path connected the car parking area with the sports field while the remaining area was made up of wooded and green areas.

In is anticipated that by 2024 the sports field will have moved south to accommodate the construction of an additional school building and reorganisation of the general school layout.  Buildings 1 and 2 will be connected by a corridor and the original path no longer leads from the main entrance to the sports field but is shortened to connect building 3 with the main school A new road will be built behind building 2 connecting the main entrance to a new car park. This construction means that the wooded area and sports field in the north will be reduced.

Leave a comment for a reply

All the Best, Jonathan

 

Using language and vocabulary for IELTS maps, plans and diagrams

In order to describe a map well there are three key aspects of language to be considered. These are vocabulary, prepositions and choice of grammar.

1) Key Vocabulary for describing Maps

Vocabulary to describe changes and developments is mostly generic and most often used in the passive.

The questions in this post are adapted from 

The Cambridge Official Guide to IELTS and IELTS Official Practice Materials Book 2

but the information can be applied to almost any IELTS map or plan question.

The diagrams below show the site of a school in 2004 and the plan for changes to the school site in 2024

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

The format of these types of question are very visual and therefore seems easier to answer than other formats, and because they are less common, students often prepare less for it.

This is a mistake as it is really important to be prepared for all types of IELTS questions. But, the good news is that the preparation won’t take as long as you might think.

There are different types of maps and the most common you will see is the past and present or near present comparison.

Use the dates on the maps to determine the correct tense.

A number of buildings were demolished. The surrounding area was then enlarged and redeveloped into three small retail parks and four green areas.

A number of buildings have been demolished. 

A number of buildings will be demolished. 

Sometimes there is no date, just ‘before‘ and ‘after‘

Be aware that in order to describe developments and changes the passive tense is preferred choice;

• The shopping centre was extended, and the parking area was enlarged to allow for more parking and a bus stop.
• The derelict building was torn down and removed and a new modern student building was constructed in its place.
• The children’s play area was reconstructed nearer to the entrance of the park and a wildlife habitat was put in its place.
• A number of trees were removed to allow for the construction of the new footpath.
• An extension to the bus line was planned with the installation of three new bus stops.  
• Most of the farm buildings were updated and enlarged with solar PV panels providing free power.
• The college reception was updated, and an additional seating area was provided for visitors.  
• The town centre was closed to traffic to allow for a new pedestrian area.

2) Vocabulary which shows location

Generic Phrases

If a compass is provided with the map the location can be described using generic phrases such as

• to the north of
• to the west of
• to the east of
• north of
• south east of

and

• in the north, in the south, in the southeast etc…

If a scale is given on the map, you can use measurements to describe location

• Three miles north of
• One mile south of

Prepositions

Prepositions are used to give exact locations on a map, such as:

• along
• across from
• beside
• between
• from north to west
• from east to west
• from / to
• in between
• nearby
• near to
• next to
• not far from
• opposite
• over

Example sentences using a scale and compass:

• The hedge and trees to the south of the river were cut down and a new student building was built.
• A small hydro-electric dam was constructed on the river to the south of the city.
• The overflow carpark to the north of the university was removed and a new student residential complex was constructed in its place.
• The business park to the north west of the metro station was enlarged and new parking facilities were provided.
• A new bus stop was installed three miles east of the bus station
• A new 4 mile stretch of road was built connecting the houses to the freeway.

Using Prepositions:

• Recycling bins were positioned next to the college faculty.
• New student housing and flats were constructed opposite the public park.
• The small river near the road was diverted away to the east.  
• A new light railway running from east to south was built.
• A public footbridge from the residential area to the school was built.
• Electric charging facilities for EV vehicles were added in the retail area.
• The education quarter across from the park was extended to the south and new leisure facilities were also built.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Structure

Question adapted from IELTS Official Practice Materials Book 2

Grammar and vocabulary for describing developments and change

There are generally three tenses commonly used with maps and plans.

• The present perfect tense
• The past tense
• and the future tense for future plans and predictions
• as well as the present tense

These are often used as passive constructions as in this example.

• The small wood near the river was cut down.

When we describe change, the present perfect and the present perfect passive can often be used. 

• The small wood near the river has been cut down.

The past simple passive can also be used to suggest something was completed in the past.

• The small wood near the river was cut down.

Here, there is a prediction, so ‘going to’ passive is used.

• The small wood near the river is going to be cut down.

Time phrases are often used such as:

• over the 30-year period
• between 1908 and 1928
• from 1980 to 2000
• over the years
• in the last 30 years
• in the years after 1980

The present perfect and present perfect passive often show that something started in the past and was completed up until the present moment.

Note: The Past Perfect is not used when describing maps in IELTS.

Examples:

• The town has seen many significant changes.
• The east of the town has become more industrialised.
• A swimming pool has been built.
• A basketball court has been added
• The football ground has been modernised.

These sentences below are often used to give an overview of the main differences between two maps.

• Over the 30-year period the area has seen significant changes especially to the rural areas which have been redeveloped. (Present perfect x 2)
• Between 1908 and 1928 the old manufacturing was replaced by urban and retail areas. (Past simple passive)
• From 1980 to 2010 a new housing estate was constructed where a school once stood. (Past simple passive + past simple)
• The number of wooded and green spaces have changed over the two decades and have mostly been replaced by residential. buildings. (Present perfect and passive)
• In the period from 1990 onward, the leisure facilities were completely renovated. (Past simple passive)
• The city centre has seen dramatic changes over the years. (Present perfect)
• In the years after 1990 the city centre was extensively modernised. (Past simple passive)

Further examples

• The town used to be heavily industrialised, but it has become more residential in the last two decades.
• The town used to have many green spaces, but it has become urbanised in the last 20 years.
• The outskirts of the town used to be rural but have now become urban areas.
• A new stadium has been built and more sports facilities have been opened over the years.

What grammar and vocabulary example can you take and learn from this question response?

The two maps show the layout changes of a school over a 20-year time period to accommodate an increase in student numbers. In order to do this, it is clear that there will be both additional buildings and parking spaces while there will be a reduction in outdoor sports facilities and green or wooded areas.

In 2004, access to the school was by road in the south-east. The original layout consisted of a single car park located near the main entrance to the school and two school buildings separated by a path. The path connected the car parking area with the sports field while the remaining area was made up of wooded and green areas.

In is anticipated that by 2024 the sports field will have moved south to accommodate the construction of an additional school building and reorganisation of the general school layout.  Buildings 1 and 2 will be connected by a corridor and the original path no longer leads from the main entrance to the sports field but is shortened to connect building 3 with the main school A new road will be built behind building 2 connecting the main entrance to a new car park. This construction means that the wooded area and sports field in the north will be reduced.

214 words

Comment for a reply and Good Luck with your exam preparation.

 Jonathan

The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing

Paragraphing in Task 2 Writing

Strong Arguments for Task 2

Writing the Introduction

Writing a Line of Argument

Cohesion for Task 2 Writing

Writing – Benefits of a Foreign University Education

 

IELTS Task 1 Questions – Process Diagrams

Before you start learning how to describe Process Diagrams in IELTS Task 1, it would be useful for you to study these articles first.

If you are familiar with the content, you can continue to the next section.

IELTS TASK 1 Describing changes and trends         

IELTS TASK 1 Working correctly with numbers      

IELTS TASK 1 Increase your band score with Adjectives/Adverbs

IELTS TASK 1 Using Compare and Contrast language

When writing about Process Diagrams there are usually two main features that you need to notice – the order and stages of the process presented, what kind of process it is and whether it is one process or repeated. 

For this type of essay it is standard to write a four paragraph essay, namely An Introduction, An Overview and probably one or two body paragraphs.

Have a look at my articles below if you need further information

How to write an Introduction

How to write an Overview     

How to write the Main Bodies  

You can now study the Process Diagrams below and look at the suggested structure:

---

IELTS Writing Task 1: Describing a Process Questions

Although it’s a less common type of question in the writing test (you’re more likely to get a Graph and Chart question) sometimes you will get an IELTS Process Diagram that needs to be described.

This format of question is very visual and therefore seems easier to answer than other formats, and because they are less common, students often prepare less for it.

This is a mistake as it is really important to be prepared for all types of IELTS questions. But, the good news is that the preparation won’t take as long as you might think.

Good News!

Process Questions follow the same format as any IELTS Task 1:

This is

1. Introduce the diagram
2. Give an overview of the main point/s (necessary for Band 6 and above)
3. And provide the detail

This post will explain:

• The two types of process question
• The tried and tested method for answering any process question
• How to write the introduction
• How to write about the detail in sequence
• How to finish with a great overview
• The commons mistakes IELTS students make

What is an IELTS Process Question?

These questions can be divided into two types: natural cycles and man-made processes.

Official IELTS practice questions have featured natural cycles such as the life cycle of frogs, moths or butterflies, the natural water cycle or how cows produce milk for their calves.

In contrast, practice questions have included man-made processes such as how coffee, tea or leather is made, bricks are produced or a satellite signal is transmitted and received.

More good news is that the same skills and principles can be applied to both man-made and natural cycles.

Let’s consider a typical question first.

Here is the diagram we are going to use.

---

A Good Teacher’s Guide to IELTS Planning.

Any good teacher will tell you that to be effective in Task 1  you need to understand  the task quickly and plan an answer quickly too. You can do this like so:

Get an overall visual understanding of the process

1. Paraphrase the question
2. Consider an overview
3. Divide the process into parts
4. Include time to proofread your writing

Gaining an overall understanding of the process

A process has a number of stages that are in time ordered.  So, you should start at the beginning, follow the process and describe each stage through to the final one.

In the example above, this is fairly obvious.  It begins with the removal of clay, and ends with delivery of the finished product.

However, processes are not always as clear as this, and you may need to look more carefully to notice the beginning, and two things may happen at the same time. In this example, it’s clear that two processes might take place as one arrow becomes two, for example, the bricks are moulded or cut.

It’s quite a challenge to write about something you have never seen, so it is important that you look at other sample processes to get a good understanding of how they might vary.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be perfect, you only have 15 minutes and just need to notice the main features and report them in an accurate way.

TOP TIPS for understanding

• Identify where the process begins and ends
• Is it a circular process or linear with a start and a finish?
• Count the number of stages?
• Is it natural or a man-made process?
• Is anything added to the process?
• What is the function of each stage of the process?
• Is there a relationship between these stages?
• What is produced at the end?

By answering these questions you will have already started planning your essay

Good News – Remember the IELTS task is not there to trick you, and you won’t be given a complicated process to describe. Your task is to report effectively and accurately.

---

Introduce the Diagram

Top Tip

As with any Task 1, you can begin by paraphrasing sentence (1)

This is the rubric or instructions.

Paraphrasing is a task that is worth learning to do well, and a good knowledge of paraphrasing will also help you in the Reading, Listening and Speaking part of the test.

Simply put, paraphrasing for IELTS means using different words and/or word order so the original meaning remains the same.

In order to remain the same, different words need to be synonyms, so Man, male and person have a similar meaning, they are synonymous, but man, male, person and girl are not all synonymous.

As you can see, all the information in the three sentences has been taken from the question, but it has not been copied.

BAD NEWS

If you do copy directly then those words are not used towards the word count and you will fail on TASK ACHIEVEMENT.

You need to write it in your own words.

In any Academic Task 1 question you can rewrite (paraphrase) the questions and this will be the first paragraph. Well done! You can then move on further and consider the next section, the Overview.

Overview of the Process

The ‘public band descriptors’ state that to achieve a Band 6 or above for ‘task response’ the student must provide an overview in a Task 1. Without one, you are less likely to get a high score.

If you started planning at the beginning then writing a good overview will be a lot easier near the end.

Remember, the questions I asked you to consider. These should be sufficient to provide the 2 sentences you need to construct the basic overview.

Recap:

• Where does the process begin and end?
• Circular process or linear with a start and a finish?
• Number of stages?
• Natural or a man-made process?
• Additions to the process?
• What is produced at the end

An IELTS process diagram is different to a chart or table as there aren’t usually any key changes or trends to identify.

So, as there are no trends to comment on, you could mention, for example, the number of stages in the process and how it begins and ends instead.

Providing the Detail

Now that you have completed paraphrasing the question and given the overview, the next stage is to explain the IELTS process diagram in detail.

You can do this by:

• Stating what each stage does
• What is produced?
• Are any materials added?
• Is there a relationship between stages?

Before you do this you need to consider the most suitable language that reflects the sophistication of the task.

Consider the most suitable language

In order to describe the process well there are two key aspects of language to be considered. These are sequencing and choice of grammar.

1) Time Connectors

As a process is a series of events, for example, one taking place after the other, to connect your stages, you should sequence them using suitable ‘time connectors’.

By using these well, your writing instantly becomes more logical, cohesive, sophisticated and most importantly, more impressive to the examiner.

Here is my sample answer with the time connectors highlighted that simply describe from the start to the end of the process.

Other examples of sequencing Time Connectors are:

BUT you need to be familiar with the meaning and correct use of these words so you need to have practised using them well.

If you use one incorrectly, it will stand out and be noted and penalised by the examiner.

For example, BEFORE means that you will mention a later stage first and then an earlier stage, as in this example

Before being dried, the mixture is shaped into bricks by placing into a mould or using a wire cutter.

So be careful.

2) Passive Tense

When we describe an IELTS process, the focus is on the activities in the process rather than the person.

So to describe the activities you use passive, not the active grammar.

If you need to know more about the Passive voice you can read the review below, but the good news is

• The IELTS task will provide most of the verbs that you need to use
• Using the passive will avoid using the words as they appear in the text
• You only need to use the passive in the present simple tense – that’s the Present Simple Passive

Most sentences use this structure:

• Subject + Verb + Object
• A mechanical digger removes the clay from the ground.

In this active voice the digger does the verb i.e. the digger is doing the digging.

In the passive voice,

• the object (the clay) becomes the subject,
• and the subject (the digger) becomes the object.
• and the verb ‘to be’ and the past participle (or Verb 3) is also added.

Compare:

A mechanical digger removes the clay from the ground.

The clay from the ground is removed by a mechanical digger.

The second example is far more appropriate for the IELTS Process Diagram question and far more sophisticated in choice of language.

Most of the description in your IELTS process diagram will use the passive voice but some verbs cannot be passive so are written as active.

An example of this ‘go’

‘the bricks go through a heating and cooling process.’

A solution to this problem might be to use a synonymous word, as in this example I have used in the final text

the bricks are put through a heating and cooling process

Here’s my example. I’ve highlighted the passives in the text.

Varying your language

One final tip for a higher score is variation in language.

Occasionally, it may be appropriate just to use the same language that you are given in the IELTS process diagram to describe it, but you should try to vary it.

You may be able to use nouns from the diagram as your verbs.

For example, the noun packaging near the end of the process becomes:

Finally, the bricks are packed.

Common Errors

A very basic error seen in Task 1 introduction is basic verb agreement.

Look at the two genuine examples below.

The image show

The diagrams shows

In both examples it is unclear about the number of nouns discussed

Here is the correction:

Common Errors using the Present Simple Passive

• Make sure you practise the passive so you know exactly how to use it.

Also, as you will see from the description, it is more unusual to comment on who or what is doing the action so the ‘by….” phrase is often excluded.

• Singular or Plural

Notice these examples are incorrect.

The brick are dried   the bricks is dried

This is a really common mistake In Task 1 writing!

Here are the corrections:

Finally, check your Essay

Ideally, you need to allow 3 to 4 minutes at the end of the test to check and improve your writing. Often students don’t do this because they spend 20 minutes writing, but it is far better to write for about 15 minutes and allow 5 minutes to check and improve your writing.

From my experience the points you should check for are:

• Are there any obvious spelling or punctuation errors?
• Are the verbs the correct tense?

Additionally, you should consider these questions, but if you followed my planning advice you should be ok.

• Do the verbs agree with the subject?
• Does the process make sense? Does it follow the visual?
• Is there any repetition in vocabulary?
• Could this be improved with synonyms?
• Have I written over 150 words?
• Have I organised the text into at least 3 paragraphs?
• Have I noticed only the obvious features from the diagram?
• Have I included the prominent features in the overview?
• Have I NOT included my personal opinion?

Once you have done this, be proud of the final product!

The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building industry.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Here’s my sample.

Sample Answer Process Diagrams.

The diagram shows the process used to make bricks for use in the building industry.

To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is removed from the ground by a mechanical digger. This clay is then placed onto a metal grid, which is used to break down 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 transformed into brick by either placing it into a mould or using a wire cutter. After that, the bricks are placed in an oven to dry for between 24 to 48 hours.

In the final stages, the bricks are put 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 kiln cooling chamber for 2 to 3 days. Finally, the bricks are removed, packed, and delivered to their final destinations.

Overall, there are eight stages in the process, beginning with the removal of clay from the ground and finishing in the delivery of the final product. Despite the use of modern machinery and tools, the production of brick remains a lengthy and complex process.                                 

I hope you found this article useful. Comments are welcome and so is sharing!

Jonathan 

 

The Best Approach to Task 2 Writing

Paragraphing in Task 2 Writing

Strong Arguments for Task 2

Writing the Introduction

Writing a Line of Argument

Cohesion for Task 2 Writing

Writing – Benefits of a Foreign University Education

 

 

Process Diagrams may not seem to be a common type of IELTS question, the chances are you’re more likely to get a Graph and Chart question.

Students may prepare less because these questions seem to appear less in the test.

This format of question is also extremely visual and may seem easier to answer than other Task 1 formats.

Nevertheless, preparation is important to fully understand how and what to describe in the different types of IELTS Process Diagrams.

Process Diagrams follow the same format as any Task 1:

This is

1. Introduce the diagram
2. Give an overview of the main point/s (necessary for Band 6 and above)
3. And provide the detail

This post will explain:

• The two types of process question
• The tried and tested method for answering any process question
• How to write the introduction
• How to write about the detail in sequence
• How to finish with a great overview
• The common mistakes IELTS students make

What is an IELTS Process Question?

These questions can be divided into two types: natural cycles and man-made processes.

Official IELTS practice questions have featured natural cycles such as the life cycle of frogs, moths or butterflies, the natural water cycle or how cows produce milk for their calves.

In contrast, practice questions have included man-made processes such as how coffee, tea or leather is made, bricks are produced or a satellite signal is transmitted and received. These typically have a start and a finish.

More good news is that the same skills and principles can be applied to both man-made and natural cycles.

Let’s consider a typical question first.

The picture illustrates the process of how dried coffee is made.

 

 

Gaining an overall understanding of the process

A process has a number of stages that are in time ordered.

So, you should start at the beginning, follow the process and describe each stage through to the final one.

In the example above, this is fairly obvious.

It begins with the collection of laundry, and ends with the storage of linen ready for the customer.

However, processes are not always as clear as this, and you may need to look more carefully to notice the start and the finish, and two things may happen at the same time.

In this example, it’s clear that two processes might take place as one arrow becomes two, for example, there is a difference between bathroom items and linen.

It’s quite a challenge to write about something you have never seen, so it is important that you look at other sample processes to get a good understanding of how they might vary.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be perfect, you only have 15 minutes and just need to notice the main features and report them in an accurate way.

TOP TIPS for understanding

• Identify where the process begins and ends
• Is it a circular process or linear with a start and a finish?
• Count the number of stages?
• Is it natural or a man-made process?
• Is anything added to the process?
• What is the function of each stage of the process?
• Is there a relationship between these stages?
• What is produced at the end? What is the product, the result?

By answering these questions, you will have already started planning your essay

Use the Passive Tense

When we describe an IELTS process, the focus is on the activities in the process rather than the person.

So, to describe the activities you use passive, not the active grammar.

If you need to know more about the Passive voice you can read the review below, but the good news is

• The IELTS task will provide most of the verbs that you need to use
• Using the passive will avoid using the words as they appear in the text
• You only need to use the passive in the present simple tense – that’s the Present Simple Passive

Most sentences use this structure:

• Subject + Verb + Object
• A mechanical digger removes the coal from the earth.

In this active voice the digger does the verb i.e. the digger is doing the digging.

In the passive voice,

• the object (the coal) becomes the subject,
• and the subject (the digger) becomes the object.
• and the verb ‘to be’ and the past participle (or Verb 3) is also added.

Compare:

A mechanical digger removes the coal from the earth.

The coal from the earth is removed by a mechanical digger.

The second example is far more appropriate for the IELTS Process Diagram question and far more sophisticated in choice of language.

Most of the description in your IELTS process diagram will use the passive voice but some verbs cannot be passive so are written as active.

An example of this is ‘go’

‘the coffee goes through a freezing and granular separation process.’

A solution to this problem might be to use a synonymous word, as in this example.

the coffee is put through a heating and cooling process

Here’s my example. I’ve highlighted the passives in the text.

The original question

 

 

Varying your language – Use Collocations

One final tip for a higher score is variation in language.

Occasionally, it may be appropriate just to use the same language that you are given in the IELTS process diagram, but you should try to vary it.

You may be able to use nouns from the diagram as your verbs.

For example, the noun packaging near the end of the process becomes:

Finally, the bricks are packed.

Finally check for errors!

Lets go through the process again.

You can read my complete guide to Process Diagrams Here

1) Here is the question once more

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The flow chart below explains how hotel laundry is handled.

Using information from the flow chart describe the laundry process.

Write at least 150 words

2)Here are the task separated individually for you

 

3)Here is my Model Answer

How to Describe a Process – Dry Coffee Production

The picture illustrates the process of dry coffee manufacture and the preparation for sale on the market.

It is clear that there are 12 stages in the production of coffee. The process begins with the selection of coffee beans, and ends at the packaging stage in preparation for retailing to the customer.

Looking at the coffee production process in detail, coffee beans must first be sorted by hand. These beans are then cleaned through a sieve to remove dirt and other materials. Following that the beans are then dried outside for four weeks in the sun. While they are drying the beans are turned and raked to ensure they dry evenly. They are then stored in a silo until they are ready to be transported to the mill for the next process.

Once at the mill, the 7^th process involves hulling which is followed by the grading of the dry beans. At the mill, the beans are bagged and then the bagged coffee is then sold. Once sold, it is roasted. The final process involves the packaging of the roasted beans into suitable containers ready for retailing.

 

You can learn more about Task 1 writing here or go straight to the my complete guide to Process Diagrams Here

Although Process Diagrams are not such a common type of IELTS question (you’re more likely to get a Graph and Chart question), you can get an IELTS Process Diagram that needs to be described.

This format of question is extremely visual and may seem easier to answer than other Task 1 formats.

Students may prepare less because these questions are appear less in the test.

This is usually a mistake.

Process Questions – The same format as any IELTS Task 1:

This is

1. Introduce the diagram
2. Give an overview of the main point/s (necessary for Band 6 and above)
3. And provide the detail

This post will explain:

• The two types of process question
• The tried and tested method for answering any process question
• How to write the introduction
• How to write about the detail in sequence
• How to finish with a great overview
• The common mistakes IELTS students make

What is an IELTS Process Question?

These questions can be divided into two types: natural cycles and man-made processes.

Official IELTS practice questions have featured natural cycles such as the life cycle of frogs, moths or butterflies, the natural water cycle or how cows produce milk for their calves.

In contrast, practice questions have included man-made processes such as how coffee, tea or leather is made, bricks are produced or a satellite signal is transmitted and received. These typically have a start and a finish.

More good news is that the same skills and principles can be applied to both man-made and natural cycles.

Let’s consider a typical question first.

Gaining an overall understanding of the process

A process has a number of stages that are in time ordered. 

So, you should start at the beginning, follow the process and describe each stage through to the final one.

In the example above, this is fairly obvious.  

It begins with the collection of laundry, and ends with the storage of linen ready for the customer.

However, processes are not always as clear as this, and you may need to look more carefully to notice the beginning and ending, and two things may happen at the same time.

In this example, it’s clear that two processes might take place as one arrow becomes two, for example, there is a difference between bathroom items and linen.

It’s quite a challenge to write about something you have never seen, so it is important that you look at other sample processes to get a good understanding of how they might vary.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be perfect, you only have 15 minutes and just need to notice the main features and report them in an accurate way.

TOP TIPS for understanding

• Identify where the process begins and ends
• Is it a circular process or linear with a start and a finish?
• Count the number of stages?
• Is it natural or a man-made process?
• Is anything added to the process?
• What is the function of each stage of the process?
• Is there a relationship between these stages?
• What is produced at the end? What is the product, the result?

By answering these questions, you will have already started planning your essay

Use the Passive Tense

When we describe an IELTS process, the focus is on the activities in the process rather than the person.

So to describe the activities you should be using passive grammar, rather than active grammar.

If you need to know more about the Passive voice you can read the review below, but the good news is

• The IELTS task will provide most of the verbs that you need to use
• Using the passive will avoid using the words as they appear in the text
• You only need to use the passive in the present simple tense – that’s the Present Simple Passive

Most sentences use this structure:

• Subject + Verb + Object
• A mechanical digger removes the coal from the earth.

In this active voice the digger does the verb i.e. the digger is doing the digging.

In the passive voice,

• the object (the coal) becomes the subject,
• and the subject (the digger) becomes the object.
• and the verb ‘to be’ and the past participle (or Verb 3) is also added.

Compare:

A mechanical digger removes the coal from the earth.

The coal from the earth is removed by a mechanical digger.

The second example is far more appropriate for the IELTS Process Diagram question and far more sophisticated in choice of language.

Most of the description in your IELTS process diagram will use the passive voice but some verbs cannot be passive so are written as active.

An example of this is  the active verb ‘go’

‘the coffee goes through a freezing and granular separation process.’

A solution to this problem might be to use a synonymous word, as in this example. 

the coffee is put through a heating and cooling process

Here’s my example. I’ve highlighted the passives in the text.

The original question

 

Varying your language – Use Collocations

One final tip for a higher score is variation in language.

Occasionally, it may be appropriate just to use the same language that you are given in the IELTS process diagram, but you should try to vary it.

You may be able to use nouns from the diagram as your verbs.

For example, the noun packaging near the end of the process becomes:

Finally, the bricks are packed.

Finally check for errors!

Lets go through the process again.

You can read my complete guide to Process Diagrams Here

1) Here is the question once more

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The flow chart below explains how hotel laundry is handled.

Using information from the flow chart describe the laundry process.

Write at least 150 words

2) Here are the task separated individually for you

 

3) Here is my Model Answer 

http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fl-dkITMp_A

You can learn more about Task 1 writing here or go straight to the my complete guide to Process Diagrams Here

Although Process Diagrams are not as common type of IELTS Graphs and Charts, you still need to be prepared for an IELTS Process Diagram that needs to be described.

This format of question is extremely visual and may seem easier to answer than other Task 1 formats.

Students may prepare less because these questions are appear less in the test.

This is usually a mistake.

Process Questions are a similar format to other Task 1 questions

This is

1. Introduce the diagram
2. Give an overview of the main point/s (necessary for Band 6 and above)
3. And provide the detail

This post will explain:

• The two types of process question
• The tried and tested method for answering any process question
• How to write the introduction
• How to write about the detail in sequence
• How to finish with a great overview
• The common mistakes IELTS students make

What is an IELTS Process Question?

These questions can be divided into two types: natural cycles and man-made processes.

Official IELTS practice questions have featured natural cycles such as the life cycle of frogs, moths or butterflies, the natural water cycle or how cows produce milk for their calves.

In contrast, practice questions have included man-made processes such as how coffee, tea or leather is made, bricks are produced or a satellite signal is transmitted and received. These typically have a start and a finish.

More good news is that the same skills and principles can be applied to both man-made and natural cycles.

Let’s consider a typical question first.

 

Gaining an overall understanding of the process

A process has a number of stages that are in time ordered. 

So, you should start at the beginning, follow the process and describe each stage through to the final one.

In the example above, this is fairly obvious.  

It begins with the collection of laundry, and ends with the storage of linen ready for the customer.

However, processes are not always as clear as this, and you may need to look more carefully to notice the beginning and the end, and two things may happen at the same time.

In this example, it’s clear that two processes might take place as one arrow becomes two, for example, there is a difference between bathroom items and linen.

It’s quite a challenge to write about something you have never seen, so it is important that you look at other sample processes to get a good understanding of how they might vary.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t need to be perfect, you only have 15 minutes and just need to notice the main features and report them in an accurate way.

TOP TIPS for understanding

• Identify where the process begins and ends
• Is it a circular process or linear with a start and a finish?
• Count the number of stages?
• Is it natural or a man-made process?
• Is anything added to the process?
• What is the function of each stage of the process?
• Is there a relationship between these stages?
• What is produced at the end? What is the product, the result?

By answering these questions, you will have already started planning your essay

Use the Passive Tense

When we describe an IELTS process, the focus is on the activities in the process rather than the person.

So, to describe the activities you use passive, not the active grammar.

If you need to know more about the Passive voice you can read the review below, but the good news is

• The IELTS task will provide most of the verbs that you need to use
• Using the passive will avoid using the words as they appear in the text
• You only need to use the passive in the present simple tense – that’s the Present Simple Passive

Most sentences use this structure:

• Subject + Verb + Object
• A mechanical digger removes the coal from the earth.

In this active voice the digger does the verb i.e. the digger is doing the digging.

In the passive voice,

• the object (the coal) becomes the subject,
• and the subject (the digger) becomes the object.
• and the verb ‘to be’ and the past participle (or Verb 3) is also added.

Compare:

A mechanical digger removes the coal from the earth.

The coal from the earth is removed by a mechanical digger.

The second example is far more appropriate for the IELTS Process Diagram question and far more sophisticated in choice of language.

Most of the description in your IELTS process diagram will use the passive voice but some verbs cannot be passive so are written as active.

An example of this is the verb ‘go’

‘the coffee goes through a freezing and granular separation process.’

A solution to this problem might be to use a synonymous word, as in this example. 

the coffee is put through a heating and cooling process

Here’s my example. I’ve highlighted the passives in the text.

The original question

 

Varying your language – Use Collocations

One final tip for a higher score is variation in language.

Occasionally, it may be appropriate just to use the same language that you are given in the IELTS process diagram, but you should try to vary it.

You may be able to use nouns from the diagram as your verbs.

For example, the noun packaging near the end of the process becomes:

Finally, the bricks are packed.

Finally check for errors!

Lets go through the process again.

You can read my complete guide to Process Diagrams Here

1) This is the question once more

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task

The flow chart below explains how hotel laundry is handled.

Using information from the flow chart describe the laundry process.

Write at least 150 words

2) Here is the task separated individually for you

Sort

Clean

Dry

Rake and Turn

Store

Send

Hull ( removing the outer husk from the grain )

Grade

Bag and Sell

Roast

Pack and Sell

3) This is my Model Answer

 

 

 

 

You can learn more about Task 1 writing here or go straight to the my complete guide to Process Diagrams Here