B2IELTS-style · Band 5.5–6.5Writing40 min

IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Process Description

Awards, prizes and scholarships

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For the Teacher

Assign this as a 40-minute class session; verify completion of parts (a)-(d) to ensure process language proficiency before moving to the main task. This warm-up builds foundational vocabulary and grammar structures required for describing linear processes.

For the Learner

Complete the warm-up exercises on vocabulary and grammar in order; then move to the writing task to apply these skills. Pay attention to passive verbs and linking words as you move through each section.

Module 1: Building your process language

Let's look at how to describe steps clearly using a bicycle wash as our example.

Example Sentence Pattern

"At the end of the evening, the youngest nurse in the room was handed a small gold plaque."

(a) Word forms

Complete each sentence using the correct form of the word in brackets.

1. Before starting, ensure the proper ____ (prepare) of all cleaning supplies.

2. The dirt must be removed with great ____ (careful) so the paint is not damaged.

3. Soap foam helps to ____ (loose) heavy mud on the frame and wheels.

4. Regular maintenance ensures the smooth ____ (operate) of the chain.

5. Water pressure should be used with ____ (moderate) to protect delicate bearings.

(b) Linking words for processes

Select the most appropriate linking word for each step in the bicycle cleaning process.

1. ____, the bicycle is sprayed with water to loosen thick dirt accumulated during the ride.

____ a. First ____ b. Subsequently ____ c. Finally ____ d. Otherwise

2. ____, liquid soap is applied evenly over the frame and tires using a soft sponge.

____ a. Earlier ____ b. Next ____ c. Overall ____ d. Formerly

3. ____, a stiff brush is used to scrub the drivetrain and pedals thoroughly.

____ a. First ____ b. Afterwards ____ c. Instead ____ d. Despite

4. ____, clear water is poured over the frame to rinse off all residual soap foam.

____ a. Subsequently ____ b. Initially ____ c. Although ____ d. Whereas

5. ____, the entire frame is dried with a clean towel to prevent rust formation.

____ a. First ____ b. Next ____ c. Finally ____ d. Meanwhile

(c) Passive of process verbs

Complete the sentences using passive verbs from the word bank below.

Word Bank

are scrubbed is wiped is sprayed are dried is applied

1. Water ____ over the muddy frame to remove loose dirt.

2. A special cleaning solution ____ to the greasy chain.

3. The wheels and pedals ____ with a stiff brush.

4. Excess water ____ off using a microfiber cloth.

5. All metal components ____ completely to stop rust from forming.

(d) Paraphrase

Choose the sentence that conveys the same meaning as the original sentence in different words.

Original Sentence

"The chain is lubricated after the frame has dried."

____ a. Once the frame is dry, oil is applied to the chain. ____ b. The frame is dried while the chain is being oiled. ____ c. Oil is added to the chain before drying the frame.

Original Sentence

"Heavy mud must be soaked before scrubbing begins."

____ a. Scrubbing starts before applying water to heavy mud. ____ b. Thicker dirt needs to be wet first so it can be brushed off easily. ____ c. Mud is brushed off immediately without using water.

Original Sentence

"Rinsing removes any remaining detergent from the metal surface."

____ a. Detergent is sprayed to clear away the rinse water. ____ b. Clean water washes away whatever soap remains on the metal. ____ c. Detergent remains on the metal surface after rinsing.

Module 2: Writing your report

Apply your process language skills to describe the university scholarship application steps.

Writing Task 1 Minimum 150 words

The diagram shows how a university chooses the winners of its yearly scholarship. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.

Write at least 150 words.

Selection Process Steps

1

The university announces the scholarship and opens the applications in January

➔
2

Students send a form, two school reports and a short essay

➔
3

Staff check that each form is complete and remove the ones that arrive late

➔
4

Two teachers read every essay and give it marks

➔
5

The 20 students with the highest marks are invited to an interview

➔
6

A panel of three staff members talks to each of these students for 15 minutes

➔
7

The panel chooses five winners and makes a list of reserve students

➔
8

The university sends a letter to every student who applied and announces the winners in May.

Checklist for Process Reports

  • ✓ An overview statement
  • ✓ Every stage presented in the right order
  • ✓ Linking words to signal sequence
  • ✓ Accurate key details included
  • ✓ A minimum length of 150 words
Write your report below: ____ (Type your summary here (at least 150 words)...)

Module 3: Model answer for review

Review this example report to see how to structure your writing.

Model Answer (163 words)

The diagram illustrates the process by which a university selects recipients for its annual scholarship. Overall, the procedure consists of several consecutive stages, beginning with the initial application announcement in January and culminating in the final notification of results in May.

To begin with, the scholarship is officially announced and applications are opened in January. Prospective candidates must submit an application form, two school reports, and a short essay. Following this stage, staff check every form to ensure completeness, and any applications that arrive late are promptly removed. Afterwards, each essay is read and marked by two teachers.

Once the essays have been evaluated, the 20 candidates with the highest scores are invited to an interview. During this stage, a panel of three staff members speaks with each applicant for 15 minutes. Subsequently, the panel selects five successful winners and creates a reserve list. Finally, in May, the university sends a formal letter to all applicants and publicly announces the winners.

Why This Works

Examine the key phrases highlighted in the model report and learn why they make the response effective.

"The diagram illustrates the process by which..."
Why this works

A clear, professional way to start your opening sentence and introduce what the diagram shows.

"Overall, the procedure consists of several consecutive stages..."
Why this works

Provides a strong overview sentence that highlights the start and end of the sequence without repeating minor details.

"To begin with,..."
Why this works

Clearly introduces the very first step of the sequence so the reader can follow along easily.

"Following this stage,..."
Why this works

Connects two actions smoothly and shows the exact order in which steps take place.

"...are promptly removed."
Why this works

Uses passive voice to keep focus on what happens to incomplete or late forms rather than who removes them.

"Once the essays have been evaluated,..."
Why this works

Shows that one action must finish completely before the next stage (the interviews) can start.

"Subsequently,..."
Why this works

A formal transition word that keeps your paragraph moving forward logically to the next action.

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