Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The Procedure for University Entry for High School Graduates: 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.
  • 190 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram shows the procedure for university entry for high school graduates. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

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

  1. 1.Obtain High School
  2. 2.Complete Application Form (Download from website)
  3. 3.Compile Documentation
  4. 4.Send to Admin
  5. 5.Provisional Acceptance (more documentation required)
  6. 6.Rejection
  7. 7.Cancel Application
  8. 8.Complete Application for Alternative Course
  9. 9.Acceptance Compete Enrolment
  10. 10.Select Subjects
  11. 11.Register with Dean
  12. 12.Enter University

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 8190 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided flowchart illustrates the sequential procedure that high school graduates must follow to gain entry into a university. Overall, the process is linear but incorporates several decision points that can lead to either further documentation, rejection, or alternative pathways.

Initially, students must obtain their high school qualifications and download an application form from the university website. Once the documentation is compiled, the application is submitted to the administration department. A critical stage occurs at this point, where the application is reviewed. If the administration requires additional information, the student receives a provisional acceptance, necessitating a return to the compilation stage. This feedback loop is noted to take two weeks.

Alternatively, if the application is successful, the student receives acceptance and proceeds to complete their enrolment. This phase involves selecting subjects, registering with the Dean, and finally entering the university. Conversely, if an application is rejected, the student has two options: they may either cancel their application entirely or complete a new application for an alternative course, which is then resubmitted to the administration for further consideration. The entire assessment process by the administration is marked by a two-week timeframe.

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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.
  • sequential

    following a logical order or a set sequence

  • linear

    arranged in or extending along a straight line

  • incorporates

    takes in or contains something as a part

  • necessitating

    making something necessary as a result or consequence

  • conversely

    introducing a statement that reverses a previous one

  • resubmitted

    submitted again for consideration or approval

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The process involves several stages starting from application to final enrolment, with specific pathways for provisional acceptance, rejection, or alternative course selection.

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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