C1IELTS-style · Band 7.0–8.0Writing40 min

IELTS Writing Task 1: 3D Printing Process

3D printing and additive manufacturing

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How to use this lesson

🍎 Teacher's Guide

• Run this as a 40-minute activity.

• Check grammar and vocabulary scores automatically.

🎓 Learner's Guide

• Complete part (a) to (d) first.

• Proceed to the writing task afterward.

Module 1: Language Build-Up

Warm up with these exercises to practice the language of processes.

📌 Topic Context: How a public library lends a book to a visitor

Part (a): Word Forms

5 Items

Complete each sentence with the correct word form of the base word provided.

Example: The member submitted an application (apply) to borrow the rare manuscript.

1. Base word: REGISTER

Before taking any books home, a new visitor must complete their library ____ at the front counter.

2. Base word: AUTHORIZE

Only members with explicit staff ____ are allowed into the archives room.

3. Base word: IDENTIFY

The desk attendant requests a valid form of ____ before issuing a borrower card.

4. Base word: NOTIFY

An automated email ____ is sent to the reader when their reserved book arrives.

5. Base word: RENEW

Borrowers may request a loan ____ online if no other reader has placed a hold on the title.

Part (b): Linking Words for Processes

5 Items

Select the best option to complete the sequence of lending a library book.

Example: First, the visitor searches the online catalog to find the call number.

6. ___, the borrower presents their library card and selected items to the desk attendant.

____ a. Then ____ b. Finally ____ c. Previously

7. The assistant scans the barcode on the item; ___, the central database updates the borrowing record.

____ a. previously ____ b. simultaneously ____ c. overall

8. ___, a due date slip is stamped and tucked inside the front cover of the book.

____ a. Next ____ b. Beforehand ____ c. Overall

9. The borrower takes the book home and must return it ___ the specified loan period expires.

____ a. after ____ b. before ____ c. overall

10. ___, once the returned book is checked back in, it is restored to its proper shelf location.

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

Part (c): Passive Voice of Process Verbs

5 Items

Complete the sentences by typing the correct passive verb from the word bank into each blank.

📦 Word Bank

is stamped are reshelved is verified is inspected are recorded
Example: The loan agreement is signed by the applicant before release.

11. The visitor's library membership status ____ by the clerk before any item can be borrowed.

12. Precise details of the transaction ____ in the central cataloging system.

13. The requested hardcover volume ____ for existing wear or damage prior to issue.

14. An official return date ____ onto the date slip pasted inside the cover.

15. All returned items ____ back in their places by library assistants at the end of each afternoon shift.

Part (d): Paraphrase

3 Items

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

Example: Staff check each item before release. → Every item is examined by staff prior to being handed out.

Original Statement:

"The librarian enters the borrower's details into the system before handing over the reserved book."

____ a. Prior to releasing the reserved book, the borrower's details are recorded in the database by the librarian. ____ b. After receiving the reserved book, the borrower gives their details to the librarian for the system. ____ c. The librarian hands over the book while the borrower enters their own details into the system.

Original Statement:

"Visitors must return borrowed items on time to avoid paying a daily late fee."

____ a. Visitors may pay a daily late fee if they want to extend the loan period of their borrowed items. ____ b. Daily late fees are charged unless borrowed items are returned by the designated due date. ____ c. Returning items on time guarantees that visitors will receive a refund on their daily late fee.

Original Statement:

"Once returned books pass inspection, staff return them to the public shelves."

____ a. Public shelves are inspected by staff whenever returned books are missing. ____ b. Staff examine returned books after putting them back onto public shelves. ____ c. Returned books are replaced on public shelves only after they have been examined by staff.
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Module 2: Writing Task

Apply your skills to write a process report.

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Writing Task Prompt

"The diagram below gives the main stages in how a small plastic part is built layer by layer by a 3D printer. Write a report that sums up the main features of the process."

Requirement: Write at least 150 words.

Process Stages: 3D Printing a Plastic Part

Follow the numbered stages in sequential order from start to finish.

A clear step-by-step schematic diagram showing a 3D printer depositing molten plastic filament layer by layer on a build
1

A designer draws the part on a computer

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2

Software cuts the drawing into many thin layers

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3

A reel of plastic wire is loaded into the printer

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4

The nozzle melts the plastic and lays the first layer on a flat plate

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5

The nozzle lays each new layer on top of the one before

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6

The layers cool and stick together until the part is finished

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7

A worker takes the part off the plate and cuts away any extra plastic

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8

The worker smooths the surface and checks the size

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Process Report Checklist

Ensure your report includes all essential components of a Task 1 response:

✔️ An overview
✔️ Every stage in the right order
✔️ Linking words for sequence
✔️ Accurate details
✔️ At least 150 words

Write Your Report

Write your report below based on the 8 stages provided above.

🤖 AI Evaluated
____ (Type your Task 1 process report here (at least 150 words)...)
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Module 3: Model Answer & Analysis

Review a strong example of a process report.

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Model Answer

Word Count: 173 words

The diagram illustrates the sequential stages involved in manufacturing a small plastic component using 3D printing technology. Overall, the production process comprises eight distinct steps, beginning with the initial digital design of the part and culminating in manual finishing alongside final inspection.

To begin with, a designer draws the part on a computer, after which specialized software cuts the drawing into many thin layers. Next, a reel of plastic wire is loaded into the printer to prepare the machine. Once the equipment is ready, the nozzle melts the plastic and lays the first layer on a flat plate. Subsequently, the nozzle lays each new layer on top of the one before to build the object gradually. Following this stage, the layers cool and stick together until the part is finished.

In the final steps of the process, the part is taken off the plate and any extra plastic is cut away. Lastly, the surface is smoothed and the size is checked to ensure that the completed component meets all required dimensions.

Useful Phrases & Key Features

Study how these key phrases help build a strong process report.

1. "illustrates the sequential stages involved in"
Why this works:

A clear, formal way to introduce a process diagram without repeating the exact words from the prompt.

2. "comprises eight distinct steps, beginning with... and culminating in..."
Why this works:

Gives a complete summary overview of the starting and ending points of the process in one clear sentence.

3. "after which"
Why this works:

Joins two steps in one sentence and shows which step comes first.

4. "is loaded into"
Why this works:

Uses passive voice appropriately to keep the reader's attention on the materials rather than the person doing the action.

5. "Subsequently,"
Why this works:

Serves as a strong sequence connector to move seamlessly into the next phase of the report.

6. "until the part is finished"
Why this works:

Clearly shows the exact condition that marks the end of a repeating process step.

7. "is cut away"
Why this works:

Uses the passive because the worker is not important here; the focus stays on the plastic.

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