Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of generating electricity using water and hydroelectric power: 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.
  • 176 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram below shows the process of using water to produce electricity.

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

Hydro-electric power generation process
  1. 1.Solar energy causes evaporation from the sea
  2. 2.Clouds form and move over land
  3. 3.Rain falls into a reservoir behind a dam
  4. 4.Water flows through an open valve to a turbine
  5. 5.Turbine generates electricity sent via high voltage cables
  6. 6.Electricity reaches a transformer station
  7. 7.Power is distributed through underground cables to buildings
  8. 8.Water is pumped back to the reservoir

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 8176 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagram illustrates the cyclical process of generating electricity through hydroelectric power. Overall, the system relies on natural meteorological phenomena to replenish water supplies, which are then mechanically utilised to produce and distribute electrical energy to various facilities.

Initially, solar energy heats the sea, causing evaporation, which leads to the formation of clouds. These clouds move inland and release precipitation in the form of rain, which collects in a reservoir held back by a dam. When the valve is opened, water flows downwards from the reservoir towards a turbine. This movement of water powers the turbine, which is connected to a network of high-voltage cables.

Once generated, the electricity is transmitted to a transformer station. From this point, the power is distributed via underground cables to supply electricity to various end-users, including schools and hospitals. The process is completed by a pump, which returns water from the turbine area back to the reservoir, ensuring the cycle can continue. This integrated system effectively converts natural water movement into a reliable source of power for the community.

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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.
  • cyclical

    occurring in a repeating series of events

  • replenish

    to fill something up again

  • utilised

    made practical and effective use of something

  • initially

    at the beginning of a process or period

  • transmitted

    passed or sent from one place to another

  • integrated

    combined into a single, cohesive whole system

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The process illustrates a cyclical system where solar energy drives the water cycle to fill a reservoir, which then powers a turbine to generate electricity for public use.

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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