Look at a typical IELTS Task 1 question below:
Here are the key aspects of describing a process in IELTS Task 1 writing
- Paraphrase the introduction
The introduction should be re-written in your own words as if you just copy the words that are given in the question, the examiner will not consider the words as your own and you will not get marks.
e.g. The diagram below shows how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station
Paraphrase as: The diagram illustrates the steps involved in hydroelectric power generation.
TIP: Use a passive voice and change the word order to get more marks.
- Write a comprehensive overview
The overview is extremely important for any Task 1 questions as it carries 25% of your marks.
- Your overview should say something noticeable about the process
For e.g. Overall, the diagram shows that electricity generation is a complex process that involves several machineries. The whole system is based on a regulated flow of water between two reservoirs and involves two key stages that are reversed at night.
- Use Passive Voice
The verbs given in the diagram can be used differently by using passive tenses.
Structure: Thing(s) + be + past participle
Water is channelled
Dam has been built
- Use a variety of complex sentences and Linking words
Linking words and complex sentences are extremely important score a higher band. However, it is important not to OVERUSE them as it makes sentences repetitive and mechanical.
Look at the difference between these two versions:
VERSION 1: Water is channelled into the upper reservoir. A large dam has been built to contain the water. Then it is released when the intake is opened. The released water flows through the pipes to the generator and then it is passed through a turbine where electricity is generated, which is then transferred to the national grid.
VERSION 2: In the initial stages of the process, water is channelled into the upper reservoir, where it is stored. First of all, a large dam has been built to contain the water. However, it is released during the day when the intake is opened, after which it flows through the pipes leading to the power station. The tremendous force of the water falling from a height generates electricity when it passed through a turbine.
The last stage involves the transmission of this electricity to the national grid through power cables. Once the water has passed through the turbine, it flows into a lower-level reservoir.
VERSION 2 is obviously more complex and less mechanical
- Add examples, adjectives, extra details and say WHY something is done
Now, Task 1 essay can be made even better with the following changes:
- Give more examples or evidence. However, this is possible only for certain essay questions.
- More details should be given (The tremendous force of the water falling from a height generates electricity)
- Write WHY something is done using complex words like in order to, so that (Water is stored in the lower-level reservoir so that it can be pumped back up to the higher reservoir at night using the same turbines which operate in reverse.
- Add adjectives (enormous force, tremendous force, a large dam)
Now look at the full version:
The diagram illustrates the steps involved in hydroelectric power generation.
Overall, the diagram shows that electricity generation is a complex process that involves several machineries. The whole system is based on a regulated flow of water between two reservoirs and involves two key stages that are reversed at night.
In the initial stages of the process, water is channelled into the upper reservoir, where it is stored. First of all, a large dam has been built to contain the water. However, it is released during the day when the intake is opened, after which it flows through the pipes leading to the power station. The tremendous force of the water falling from a height generates electricity when it passed through a turbine.
The last stage involves the transmission of this electricity to the national grid through power cables. Once the water has passed through the turbine, it flows into a lower-level reservoir. Water is stored in the lower-level reservoir so that it can be pumped back up to the higher reservoir at night using the same turbines which operate in reverse.
Get more advice on how to do IELTS Writing Task
- Find out how to describe Changes to a Plan here
- Find out how to write a BAND 9 model essay here
- 15 ways to improve your IELTS Vocabulary
- How to write Complex Sentences: IELTS Writing Task 2
- How to improve your Speaking at Home
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