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In the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you might encounter a prompt that involves analyzing and describing a process diagram. These diagrams can illustrate various things, from natural phenomena like the water cycle to man-made processes like coffee production.

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Here's a breakdown of process diagrams in IELTS and the grammar you'll need to tackle them:

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Understanding Process Diagrams:

• Process Types: They can either be linear (with a clear beginning and end) or cyclical (a repeating loop).

• Key Features: Look for stages, arrows indicating flow, and any equipment or materials involved.

• Identify each step: Break down the process into its core stages.

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Grammar for Describing Process Diagrams:

• Introductory Paragraph: Briefly introduce the process and its key stages using active or passive voice.

• Stage Descriptions: Use transition words (firstly, subsequently) to link stages chronologically.

• Verbs: Use the passive voice to describe actions ("The coffee beans are crushed...").

• Process Verbs: Use verbs like "to extract," "to refine," "to be assembled" that accurately reflect the actions in the diagram.

• Nouns: Use specific nouns related to the process (e.g., "grinder," "filtration system").

• Connectives: Use linking words (such as "for the purpose of," "in order to") to explain cause and effect relationships within the process.

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Click here for the IELTS Process Cheat Sheets, and here for the IELTS Summary Sheets.