IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Diagrams with Sample Answers

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

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Avleen Kaur
Updated on Nov 12, 2025 11:58 IST

By Avleen Kaur, Sr. Executive Training

In IELTS Writing Task 1, a process chart can also be tested. A process chart is a visual representation of a process illustrating a series of steps involved in completing a particular task or creating a product. The steps or stages are depicted through boxes or certain shapes in the 'process chart' on the IELTS exam for the Writing section, which represents each stage. The stages are then connected by arrows that show the flow of the process. There are labels and/or texts in the boxes which explain what is happening at each step. The applicants will have to explain the process chart on task 1 based on the given image for this IELTS Writing section and summarise the details in a structured format in a formal report style. There are various process tasks, which can be categorised as either manual or natural processes. This IELTS Writing 1 Task is scored on similar guidelines as other tasks like Map Chart, Table Chart, and Graph Chart on Task 1 in Writing. We will discuss in detail about IELTS Task 1 Process Chart here. For more info. on  how to register for IELTS Exam, the latest guidelines,  IELTS Exam Date, feel free to check out the IELTS exam details on Shiksha.com.

How to Approach a Process Chart in IELTS Writing Section?

The tips to approach can be checked below.

Particular Tips
Understanding Task & Process Charts
  • Start with understanding task
  • Purpose of task
Planning Your Response
  • Analyse and Note
  • Structure Your Answer
  • Identify Transition Words
Writing Your Response
  • Start with a clear and easy to read introductory
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Writing Task 1 - Process Chart Example

The diagram below shows the manufacturing process for making sugar from sugarcane.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Writing Task 1- Sugarcane Process

Understanding the Task

  • Task Type: Process Diagram

  • Objective: Describe the stages involved in the sugar manufacturing process from sugarcane.

  • Key Actions:

    • Summarize the main stages of the process.

    • Describe the progression logically, using transition words.

    • Use appropriate vocabulary for processes and equipment.

    • Write at least 150 words.

Key Elements to Focus On:

  1. Beginning: Start with the growing stage and harvesting.

  2. Extraction: Describe the crushing of sugarcane and the steps to purify the juice.

  3. Transformation: Explain the evaporation of juice into syrup and the separation of sugar crystals.

  4. Final stage: Describe the drying and cooling of sugar.

Key Vocabulary for Process Diagrams:

  • Start/End: commences, begins, starts, concludes, ends

  • Transitions: firstly, secondly, then, next, after that, subsequently, following this, finally, lastly

  • Process Verbs: extract, purify, heat, cool, separate, dry, filter, crush, evaporate, condense, refine, mix

  • Equipment: filter, evaporator, centrifuge

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Process Chart - Sample Response 1 - 4.5 Band Score

The diagram illustrates the manufacturing process of sugar from sugar cans , this process consist of seven steps from growing to staying and cooling

It takes almost 12-18 months of time period for sugarcane to grow in proper size and proportion

And it’s the longest time consuming step in the diagrams , later the farmer harvst the sugarcane’s 

Either by the manpowe which is very time consuming and slow process but cost effective for harvesting and another by the harvesting machines which are easy for harvesting and time efficient.

Overall after the harvesting is completed the next step is called crushing ,where the sugarcane is insert into their crushing machine where it extract the solid waste and the juice  which is remain

Is used for the further steps  which is purification of the juice by the limestone filter . Later on it is. Heated into the big jars on certain temperature units the juice convert into syrups, The last two step are very important this are the step where the sugar crystals are being separated from syrup by the centrifuge and dispatched to be stored in containers for drying and cooling process.


This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 4.5 score, here is the expert’s comment.

The candidate has covered the main features of the topic, but the description lacks clear paragraphing and logical organisation. There are several grammatical errors, and punctuation is often faulty. Additionally, the lack of cohesive devices, such as linking words, makes the text less coherent. The vocabulary used is adequate, but there are minor spelling errors (such as "sugar cane", "harvest", and "manpower"). 

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Process Chart - Sample Response 2 - 7 Band Score

The process illustrates the steps required for producing sugar from the sugar canes. Overall, the manufacturing of sugar consists of seven steps, and manpower is involved thus, it is a complex and time-consuming process.


In the first step, the process starts by growing the sugarcanes in proper size and proportion which takes almost 12-18 months, it is one of the highest time-taking steps in the the entire procedure. In the second step, the farmers harvest the sugarcanes either by using manpower which is time-consuming and slow process but cost-effective for harvesting or they use another method of using the harvesting machines which are easy to harvest and time efficient. After the harvesting is completed, the next step is called crushing, where the sugarcane is inserted into the crushing machine where the solid waste and the juice are extracted.


The obtained substance is then sent for the further step which is purification of the juice by the limestone filter method. Later on, it is heated into the big jars at certain temperature units and the juice is converted into syrups. The last two steps are very important these are the steps where the sugar crystals are separated from the syrup by the centrifuge method and dispatched to be stored in the containers for the drying and cooling process.


This is an answer written by a candidate who achieved a Band 7 score, here is the expert’s comment. 

The candidate has started with the appropriate paraphrasing in the first paragraph, with a clear overview. The content has been divided into the paragraphs appropriately making it both a coherent and cohesive response, although there is a repetition of vocabulary in the second paragraph. More linking words could have been added to connect the steps (followed by, post that, then, later). The vocabulary resource is sufficient to allow understanding but no skillful use of uncommon word choice, with repetition of some words.

IELTS Writing Task 1 - Process Chart - Sample Response 3 - 9 Band Score

The diagram illustrates the process of manufacturing sugar from sugarcane, beginning with cultivation and culminating in the final product. Overall, the process involves seven distinct stages of growing, harvesting, processing, and refinement. The production of sugar from sugarcane is a multi-stage process, integrating agricultural practices with mechanical and chemical procedures.

The process commences with growing sugarcane, which takes between 12 and 18 months to mature. Subsequently, the sugarcane is harvested through manual labor and with the aid of machinery. The harvested sugarcanes then proceed to the next stage where they are crushed to extract the juice. Following this, the extracted juice is purified using a limestone filter.

After the purification, the juice is transferred to an evaporator where it is heated until it becomes syrup. The syrup is then processed through a centrifuge to separate the sugar crystals from the syrup. Lastly, these sugar crystals undergo a drying and cooling process, resulting in the final product.

Additional Tips for Process Chart

To make a good process chart for IELTS Writing Task 1 try to keep things simple and not too crowded. You only need to show the main steps, no need to write or draw everything. Use same shapes and text everywhere so it looks clean. When you make your IELTS process chart use words like first, next, after that, then, and finally. Don’t let the lines cross each other. This makes the chart confusing. You should also mark the start and end points clearly, so the reader knows how the process starts and finishes.

When you write about the process chart, begin with a small line saying what it shows. Then tell the steps one by one in the right order. Keep your writing simple, short, and easy. Sometimes it’s better to use passive voice, like saying the milk is heated instead of they heat the milk. Always try to put steps from top to bottom or left to right. Give names to each part so it’s clear. If you use symbols, also add a key that says what every symbol means. This way, your IELTS Writing Task 1 process chart will look neat, clear, and easy for anyone to read.

What kind of process charts come in the IELTS Writing test?

In IELTS Writing Task 1, process chart can show natural processes like the water cycle or man-made processes like book publishing or coffee making. You need to describe how each step happens in the right order.

How much information should I write for the process chart?

You should write only about the main steps and the overall flow of the process. Don’t write about small details or unnecessary things. Just focus on what is important.

Do I need special vocabulary for process charts in IELTS Writing?

Yes. Use linking words like first, then, next, after that, and finally to show the sequence of steps clearly. This helps your writing look more organized and formal. 

Are there branching steps or decision points in process charts?

Yes, some process charts can have different paths or outcomes based on conditions. You should mention these alternative steps in your IELTS Task 1 answer if they are shown.

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