Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The life cycle of a salmon from egg to adult stage: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 process diagram question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about process diagrams.
  • 179 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes
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The question

The diagrams below show the life cycle of a species of large fish called the salmon.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Life cycle of a salmon
  1. 1.Eggs are laid in the upper river among reeds and small stones for 5-6 months
  2. 2.Eggs hatch into fry (3-8cm) and move to the lower river for 4 years
  3. 3.Fry develop into smolts (12-15cm) and migrate to the open sea
  4. 4.Smolts grow into adult salmon (70-76cm) in the open sea for 5 years
  5. 5.Adult salmon return to the upper river to spawn

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8179 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagram illustrates the various stages in the life cycle of a salmon, detailing the environments, durations, and physical growth associated with each phase. Overall, the process is cyclical, involving migration between the upper river, lower river, and the open sea, with significant growth occurring as the fish matures.

The cycle begins in the upper river, where eggs are deposited among reeds and small stones. This initial stage lasts for approximately 5 to 6 months. Once hatched, the fish, known as 'fry', measure between 3 and 8 cm. These fry then migrate to the lower river, which is characterised by fast-flowing water. They remain in this environment for about 4 years, during which time they develop into 'smolts', reaching a size of 12 to 15 cm.

Following this, the smolts migrate to the open sea. This final growth phase is the longest, lasting approximately 5 years. During this period, the fish mature into adult salmon, significantly increasing in size to between 70 and 76 cm. Finally, the adult salmon return to the upper river to complete the cycle.

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Process diagrams

How to write about process diagrams: tips and vocabulary

  • →Say how many stages there are and where the process starts and ends.
  • →Use the passive and sequencers: first, after this, once, finally.
  • →Keep every stage; a missing step costs task achievement.

  • illustrates

    shows or provides a visual representation of information

  • cyclical

    occurring in a repeating series of events or stages

  • characterised by

    having a particular feature or quality as a trait

  • migrate

    move from one region or habitat to another

  • mature

    reach a fully developed or adult physical state

  • significant

    sufficiently great or important to be worthy of attention

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The life cycle of a salmon is a complex process involving migration between different aquatic environments, spanning a total period of approximately 9 to 10 years.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

How do I describe process diagrams?+

Say how many stages there are and where the process starts and ends. Use the passive and sequencers: first, after this, once, finally. Keep every stage; a missing step costs task achievement.

Keep practising

More process diagrams

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