How to Describe an IELTS Process Diagram
Process diagrams are the most different Task 1 type. They require passive voice, sequential language, and a different kind of overview — focused on stages, not trends.
About this chart type
A process diagram shows a series of stages that explain how something is made, produced, or occurs. Unlike graphs and charts, there are no numbers to report — your task is to describe the sequence of stages clearly, using passive voice and sequencing language to show how each step leads to the next. The overview must identify how many stages there are and what the start and end points are.
Structure
How to structure your response
Introduction
30–45 wordsParaphrase the title of the diagram. Describe what process is being shown — what goes in at the start and what the final product or outcome is.
Overview
30–45 wordsState how many stages the process has. Identify the starting point and the end point. Note whether the process is linear (start to finish) or cyclical (repeating).
Body Paragraph 1
65–85 wordsDescribe the first half of the process in sequence, using passive voice and connective words. Be specific about what happens at each stage.
Body Paragraph 2
65–85 wordsDescribe the second half of the process, continuing the sequence. End with the final stage or output of the process.
Real Examples
Sample overview paragraphs compared
Sample task
The diagram below shows how glass bottles are produced and recycled. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
✗ Band 5–6
“The diagram shows the process of making and recycling glass bottles. There are many steps in this process and it is quite complicated.”
Weak: 'many steps' is vague (how many?), 'quite complicated' is subjective and irrelevant, no mention of the starting material or the end product.
✓ Band 7+
“Overall, the production and recycling of glass bottles involves eight distinct stages, beginning with the collection of raw materials and culminating in either the distribution of new bottles or their recycling back into raw material for reuse.”
Strong: exact number of stages given, starting point and two possible end points identified, the cyclical nature of the process (recycling loop) is acknowledged.
Vocabulary
Essential language for process diagrams
Sequencing (start)
Sequencing (middle)
Sequencing (end)
Passive voice structures
Cyclical process language
Mistakes to avoid
Common process diagram errors
Using active voice throughout
Process diagrams use passive voice: 'Water is heated to 100°C' not 'They heat water to 100°C'. The focus is on what happens to the materials, not who does it. Consistent active voice signals a weak response.
Writing an overview that describes trends (as if it were a graph)
Process diagrams have no trends. The overview should state: how many stages there are, what the input is, and what the final output is. For cyclical processes, note that the process repeats.
Describing stages out of order
Always follow the sequence shown in the diagram. Number your stages if it helps you track them. Mixing up the order of stages is a serious coherence error.
Using vocabulary from the diagram word for word
Paraphrase the labels where possible. If the diagram says 'raw material', write 'unprocessed material' or 'the initial input'. This demonstrates Lexical Resource.
Examiner tip
Before writing, count the number of stages and circle the start and end points. Your overview must include these three pieces of information: (1) number of stages, (2) starting material or event, (3) final product or outcome.
FAQ
Common questions about process diagrams
Do I need to use passive voice for every sentence?
Not every sentence, but the majority. Active voice is acceptable when describing a human agent performing a specific action ('Workers then inspect the bottles'), but passive is preferable for most stages.
What if the process is cyclical?
Note this in your overview: 'This is a continuous cycle, with the end product feeding back into the start of the process.' In your body paragraphs, use 'the cycle then begins again' at the final stage.
Should I describe every stage in a process diagram?
Yes — unlike graphs and charts where you select key data, process diagrams should be described completely. If there are 8 stages, all 8 should appear in your response.
Can I give opinions about whether the process is efficient?
No. Task 1 is purely descriptive. Do not evaluate whether a process is good or bad, efficient or wasteful. Simply report what the diagram shows.
Band 7.5 Model Answer
See a full annotated process diagram response with paragraph-by-paragraph examiner notes.
Other Task 1 chart types