In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, Flow Chart and Processes come under the same category. To describe a flow chart or a process is an exceptionally easy task. And, this reason made the flow chart a rare question in the IELTS test. Allotted time to complete the IELTS flow chart is 20 minutes with minimum 150 words.
In this article, we wish to provide the introduction, writing strategy along with some effective tips about the methods to describe a flowchart or a process. Also, we provide a sample with an answer.
Notice, flow chart explanation is fairly easy and there is no complication to learn. You should be aware and have an understanding of the question type.
What is a Flow Chart?
Flow chart is a diagrammatic representation that explains the workflow of a process. a conventional flow chart represents an algorithm whereas an IELTS Academic flow chart might be about a process too.
How to Describe a Flow Chart in IELTS Test?
Describing a flow chart includes the observer’s follow up through the process and to understand the stages involved.
- To analyze the flow chart, you need to
- Follow through
- Understand the stages and key concepts
- Interpret the task
How to Understand the IELTS Flow Chart?
- Understand what process you are dealing with
- Identify the stages
- Analyze the key concepts
- Structure it according to the essay
IELTS Flow Chart Report Structure:
- Introduction
- Overview
- Body Paragraphs
- Conclusion
Now, let’s learn the strategies, tips and techniques to answer IELTS Flow Chart.
Understand the Question:
Questions you find in any competitive test are tricky. There is a possibility to mislead you. So, you have to study and understand the question first. Read the instructions and identify the task of what to do.
Note the key concepts on the paper:
There is a frequently asked question by many IELTS aspirants. “Will I get a paper and pencil in the IELTS test?”
Yes! During the test they will provide you with some paper and you can use a pen or a pencil to note down the key concepts.
Keenly observe and note the key stages in the flowchart to effectively describe the task.
Introduction & Overview:
For this, you should write a single sentence by paraphrasing the question which becomes the introduction.
However, in the IELTS Academic Task 1, overview is a very important part of your essay and it contributes 25% of the score.
Remember, your overview should contain a very brief explanation using the key stages that occur in the essay.
Organize the Information:
You cannot simply transcribe diagrammatic information into words. It is essential to organize the data for a better understanding of the examiner.
Therefore, observe the starting and follow through each stage and get the correct knack. Describe every stage using the elements it consists of. Make sure that you describe all the stages.
Linking Words Ensure Continuity & Logic:
Your proficiency in extracting the information from a diagram and presenting in words is can be seen only when it is logically proved.
To be effective with logic, you must link all the stages in the chart.
Supporting Information:
Inclusion of the supporting information undoubtedly increases the intensity of the discussion. Use the relevant information available in the chart as it supports the body paragraphs. Do not go too generic for that it does not look like it relies on the given question. Consequence, your essay might not score what it deserves for task achievement.
Hence, to make the essay much close to the subject, don’t ignore linking words.
Grammatical Range:
The tense and speech you use always influences the reader’s impression upon you. Try to use the simple present (in it active and passive forms) and present perfect. Because, we probably use them in explaining processes.
You should be careful while using active verbs and passive verbs. You should structure the sentence to highlight the subject.
The Final Paragraph:
So, this is the summary and you should not give your opinion. You are have to interpret the diagram without missing any details. Remember, you should not judge the task. Opinion is irrelevant to the task.
Sample IELTS Flow Chart with Answer

The flow chart describes the complete aluminum recycling process to obtain pure aluminum from the scrap. It explains all the stages that waste and alloy form of aluminum go through to produce aluminum from segregation to packing stage.
To begin with, the primary process of collecting used scrap aluminum and aluminum with impurities; they are segregated into pure aluminum scrap and aluminum with impurities separately.
Both quantities of aluminum are put into two different containers. After that, there containers are introduced to different coal furnaces burning at a temperature above 1000 degree Celsius. Once the metal melts to molten state, metal contained in the pure aluminum container is condensed into the form of ingots and finally packed.
The second container is constantly observed to separate the impurities. Once the impurities are separated from the metal, the molten metal is poured in the impressions to form ingots which are delivered to the pack.