IELTS Diagram Task 1: Writing Strategies, Tips, and Sample

Diagram for IELTS task 1 in academic writing is one of the report generation question types that deal with a process diagram. Though, the diagrams are not very common in IELTS and vary from other graphs. 

This IELTS diagram task 1guide will get you to learn the following aspects of academic writing task 1.

• What is an IELTS Diagram?
• How to describe a Diagram in IELTS?
• Strategies to Score High in IELTS Diagram process
• Tips for Describing Diagram in IELTS Writing Task
• IELTS Academic Task Diagram Sample

What is an IELTS diagram?

A diagram in IELTS is a graph or chart that explains something by showing how the parts relate to each other.

Describing an IELTS process diagram might fill you with fear but no need to worry too much. However, they look much more difficult than they are. While process diagrams seem much harder than bar or line graphs, they are quite simple, if you can avoid panicking, you can write a strong essay.

However, you will be given a diagram if you have a “process description” task in the test. Furthermore, it shows the stages of how something is made or how something works. 

So it’s a good idea to learn how to structure your answer when describing a diagram. Occasionally you will have to describe a process in the test instead of a graph. 

Of course, the diagram for IELTS is less common to see in the test but still important to understand tackling it effectively.

How to describe a Diagram in IELTS?

Describing a diagram of your IELTS Academic writing exam can seem like a scary task. However, all you need is having a clear understanding of what is expected of you.

Of course, the diagram should follow the same format as any task 1:

General Format to describe an IELTS diagram process

• Introduce the diagram
• Give an overview of the main points
• Give the detail

Now that we know how to structure the overall description of a diagram, we can continue onto other important parts that will gain you better marks.

Here’s a list of 8 steps to help you write a flawless description for an IELTS diagram, and in turn gain you a good score!

Now, let’s have a look at these IELTS diagram process

Step 1: Read the title of the diagram and write about it, which is the introduction of your essay.

Step 2: Describe the diagram in detail – The main body of the essay.

Step 3: include sequencing words to your text and connect your descriptive sentences for better flow.

Step 4: Include Passive Form in the description to define actions.

Step 5: Avoid redundancy by paraphrasing your second and third lines.

Step 6: Include Adverb Clauses and Conditionals to indicate possible outcomes when you describe the diagram.

Step 7: Write a clear summary of the diagram in not more than one short paragraph.

Step 8: Check your work to check for any errors.

Strategy to Score High in IELTS Diagram

Does the diagram have a suitable structure?

A proper structure means the Diagram should consist:

• Introduction, body, and conclusion
• Connective words to make the writing cohesive within sentences and paragraphs

Look at the Time Frame

Ensure that you complete the task in 20 minutes

Does the diagram have enough grammar and vocabulary?

It includes:

• Proper sentence structures
• Range of appropriate vocabulary

Follow the right structure

• Carefully analyze the given question
• Summarise the Key Features
• Keep it Impersonal

Avoid sentences like

• I/We can see that…
• I think it’s an interesting feature that…
• Instead, use impersonal pronouns and structures such as the passive voice
• It can be seen that…

Use Appropriate Language

• Make Sure What You Say is True (according to the given data)
• Do Not Give Your Opinion
• Finding the Right Vocabulary

Does the diagram meet the requirements of the task1?

Requirements include:

• Meeting the word limit requirements
• Describing the whole graph adequately
• Focusing on the important trends presented in the diagram

Tips for Describing Diagram in IELTS Writing Task

Follow the below tips while describing the diagram in IELTS academic writing task 1

• Read understand the given question
• Identify the key information and note them
• Paraphrasing the given question
• Use numeric data 
• Explain the details given in the diagram
• Keep a count on the word count 
• Maintain an eye on the time
• Use proper grammar and vocabulary
• Use Transition Words to maintain continuity
• Don’t give your opinion

Remember, vocabulary for IELTS plays a major role in describing the diagram.

So, why Vocabulary is important for diagram process in IELTS?

You must be equipped with the right vocabulary to crack the diagram in academic task 1.

It requires using vocabulary to present in the given data in a process diagram of IELTS to describe the given process. 

Using the proper vocabulary helps you present the main trend, compare and contrast data and present the logical flow of the diagram. It even ensures in attaining a high band score in the IELTS academic writing task 1.

Additionally, it helps you learn all the vocabulary phrases and words required to use in your academic writing task 1.

Moreover, it holds 25% of your score in Task 1. Thus, enriching vocabulary can help you hit a high band score.

To prove that you have a great vocabulary, you need to: 

• Use a range of vocabulary
• Do not repeat phrases and words
• Use right synonyms 
• Use precise and accurate words in a sentence
• Do not repeat the same word more than once/twice.

Experts advise to learn synonyms and use them in your writing to give the impression that you can use a wide vocabulary range.

IELTS Academic Task Process Diagram Sample

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The process diagram below shows the life cycle of a butterfly.

According to the diagram given, you can see the four phases of a butterfly. Let’s generate a report based on this process.

The butterfly is one of the amazing features of nature. Unlike other creatures, the lifecycle of the butterfly has four distinct phases. In the first phase, a butterfly lays eggs. The eggs of each butterfly species vary in form, size, and texture but nearly constant colour. And the time required for these eggs to hatch is between 3-5 days. 

In the second stage, a caterpillar emerges from an egg. The caterpillars shed their skin while grown i.e., for 3-4 weeks. Next comes the cocoon stage. In this stage, the caterpillar is known as a pupa. Several changes occur in this stage and this stage lasts up to a week. 

After the development, the cocoon opens and out comes a butterfly, which is the butterfly. Usually, butterflies come in several shapes and sizes. However, the lifespan of a butterfly varies between one day and one year. 

FAQs about Process Diagram in IELTS

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