What you’re looking at
Processes & Flow Charts
A process diagram shows the stages of how something is made, how something works, or how something happens — for example, a manufacturing process, a natural cycle, or a recycling system. Your task is to explain the sequence of stages clearly, from start to finish.
Unlike other Task 1 visuals, there is no data to compare — your job is to describe a sequence accurately and in the correct order.
How to analyse it
Reading a process diagram before you write
Where does it start and end?
Identify the first stage and the final stage or outcome before working through the middle steps.
Is it linear or cyclical?
Some processes have a clear beginning and end; others (like water or life cycles) loop back to the start.
How many distinct stages are there?
Count the total number of steps so you can pace your description and mention every stage.
What you should look for
Features worth reporting
Every Stage, In Order
Unlike other Task 1 tasks, you are expected to mention every stage of a process diagram, not just the significant ones.
Passive or Active Steps
Note whether each stage happens automatically (the passive voice usually fits best) or is performed by a person or machine.
Vocabulary & terminology
Language for describing processes
Sequencing
first / next / after that
“first,” “next,” “following this,” “after that,” “once X has happened,” “finally”
Passive voice
is heated / is transported
“the material is heated,” “the product is then packaged,” “water is collected”
Cyclical processes
the cycle begins again
“the cycle then repeats,” “the process begins again at stage one”
Common mistakes
What costs candidates marks
Skipping a Stage
Missing one of the steps shown in the diagram, which breaks the logical flow of the process.
Overusing “And Then”
Connecting every stage with the same simple phrase instead of varying sequencing language.
Writing an Overview That’s Too Detailed
Cramming individual stages into the overview instead of simply stating the number of stages and where the process starts and ends.
See it in practice
Example Task and Sample Answer
The example below is original and written for teaching purposes.
Example IELTS Task
The diagram below shows the process by which rainwater is collected and treated for drinking in a small town.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.
Sample Answer
Sample Overview and Data Paragraph
The diagram illustrates the process used to collect and treat rainwater for drinking in a small town.
Overall, the process consists of five main stages, beginning with rainwater collection and ending with the distribution of clean water to homes.
First, rainwater is collected from rooftops and channelled into a storage tank. Next, the water is pumped to a treatment facility, where it passes through a filtration system to remove solid particles. Following this, the filtered water is treated with chemicals to eliminate harmful bacteria. Once this stage is complete, the water is stored in a clean reservoir. Finally, the treated water is distributed to homes through an underground pipe network.
Why the Sample Works
Every stage, clearly sequenced
The sample states the total number of stages and the start/end points in the overview, then walks through every stage in order using varied sequencing language (“first,” “next,” “following this,” “once this stage is complete,” “finally”). The passive voice is used consistently, which fits a process that happens automatically rather than being performed by a specific person.
Ready for the next step?
Explore the final visual type.
Combined Charts
Learn how to integrate two or more visual types into one coherent answer.
Structuring Your Answer
Review the overview-and-data framework that applies to every Task 1 visual.