Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The Step-by-Step Process for Preparing Homemade Pizza Dough: 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.
  • 184 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The process below shows how to make dough for a pizza.

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

  1. 1.Combine 500g 00 flour, 325g water, 2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp dry active yeast in a stand mixer.
  2. 2.Mix on slow speed for 2 minutes.
  3. 3.Mix on medium speed for 5 minutes.
  4. 4.Mix on slow speed for a final 2 minutes.
  5. 5.Allow the dough to rise for at least 2 hours until it doubles in size.
  6. 6.Work the dough to remove air bubbles.
  7. 7.Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces of 275 grams each.

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 8184 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagram illustrates the sequential stages involved in preparing pizza dough, starting from the initial combination of ingredients to the final portioning of the mixture.

Overall, the process is characterised by a structured mixing phase, a mandatory rising period, and a final manual preparation stage, resulting in three equal portions of dough. The entire procedure requires precise measurements and specific time intervals to ensure the correct consistency.

To begin, 500 grams of 00 flour, 325 grams of water, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 0.5 teaspoons of dry active yeast are placed into a stand mixer. The mixing process is divided into three distinct stages: an initial 2 minutes on a slow setting, followed by 5 minutes at medium speed, and a final 2 minutes back on the slow setting. Once mixed, the dough must be left to rise for a minimum of 2 hours, during which time it should double in size.

In the final stages, the dough is worked manually to eliminate any air bubbles. Lastly, the mixture is divided into three equal pieces, each weighing 275 grams, ready for further use.

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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

  • characterised

    having a particular quality or feature as typical

  • mandatory

    required by rules or a specific process

  • distinct

    clearly different or separate from each other

  • initial

    existing or occurring at the very beginning

  • portioning

    dividing something into specific amounts or shares

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The process involves a specific sequence of mixing ingredients, a fermentation period, and manual preparation to yield three equal portions of dough.

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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