IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: Process Description
Awards, prizes and scholarships
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
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.
2. ____, liquid soap is applied evenly over the frame and tires using a soft sponge.
3. ____, a stiff brush is used to scrub the drivetrain and pedals thoroughly.
4. ____, clear water is poured over the frame to rinse off all residual soap foam.
5. ____, the entire frame is dried with a clean towel to prevent rust formation.
(c) Passive of process verbs
Complete the sentences using passive verbs from the word bank below.
Word Bank
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."
Original Sentence
"Heavy mud must be soaked before scrubbing begins."
Original Sentence
"Rinsing removes any remaining detergent from the metal surface."
Module 2: Writing your report
Apply your process language skills to describe the university scholarship application steps.
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
The university announces the scholarship and opens the applications in January
➔Students send a form, two school reports and a short essay
➔Staff check that each form is complete and remove the ones that arrive late
➔Two teachers read every essay and give it marks
➔The 20 students with the highest marks are invited to an interview
➔A panel of three staff members talks to each of these students for 15 minutes
➔The panel chooses five winners and makes a list of reserve students
➔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
Module 3: Model answer for review
Review this example report to see how to structure your writing.
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.
A clear, professional way to start your opening sentence and introduce what the diagram shows.
Provides a strong overview sentence that highlights the start and end of the sequence without repeating minor details.
Clearly introduces the very first step of the sequence so the reader can follow along easily.
Connects two actions smoothly and shows the exact order in which steps take place.
Uses passive voice to keep focus on what happens to incomplete or late forms rather than who removes them.
Shows that one action must finish completely before the next stage (the interviews) can start.
A formal transition word that keeps your paragraph moving forward logically to the next action.
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