The stages of processing cocoa beans
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Diagram
![](https://www.ieltsvisa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/87-The-stages-of-processing-cocoa-beans.png)
IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The diagram below shows the stages of processing cocoa beans. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the process below.
![The stages of processing cocoa beans](https://www.ieltsvisa.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-stages-of-processing-cocoa-beans.png)
Common Questions for the Diagram
1. Graph Type: Flow Chart
2. Title: Stages of Processing Cocoa Beans
3. What are the units of measurement?: Not applicable
4. Who: Cocoa processors and consumers
5. What does the diagram depict?: The processing stages of cocoa beans into various products
6. When: Not specified; applicable any time cocoa processing occurs
7. Where: In cocoa processing facilities and markets
8. Topic: Cocoa bean processing and product manufacturing
Comparison Showing and Trends Any change over time (such as an increase or a decrease) is a trend.
Stage 1: Harvesting and Drying
- Details : Whole cocoa beans are picked from the cocoa tree, their outer shells are removed, and then they are dried.
Stage 2: Pressing and Refining
- Details : The dried beans are pressed. Some of the pressed beans are processed into cocoa cake, while others are refined to create industrial chocolate, with sugar added for flavor.
Stage 3 : Grinding and Distribution
- Details : The cocoa cake is ground to produce cocoa powder, and cocoa liquor is extracted. The cocoa powder is packaged for consumers, while the liquor is used in industrial applications, such as cake and drink production. The refined industrial chocolate undergoes final processing before reaching consumers as finished chocolate products.
Sample Answer
The diagram illustrates the stages involved in processing cocoa beans to produce various products. The process is divided into three main stages, starting from the initial whole beans and culminating in the final market products.
In the first stage, whole cocoa beans are harvested from the cocoa tree. After harvesting, the outer shells of the beans are removed, and the beans are dried to prepare them for further processing.
The second stage consists of several steps. Initially, the dried beans are pressed to extract cocoa mass. A portion of this mass is subjected to further pressing to produce cocoa cake, while the remaining mass is refined into industrial chocolate, to which sugar is added for sweetness.
In the final stage, the cocoa cake is ground to create a cocoa powder, producing cocoa liquor during this process. The cocoa powder is then packaged and sent to the market for consumer use, while the cocoa liquor is utilized in the food industry to create cakes and beverages. Industrial chocolate undergoes additional processing before being transformed into various finished chocolate products for consumers.
Overall, cocoa processing involves three distinct stages, resulting in various products consumers enjoy worldwide.
Top 28 Vocabulary
Vocabulary (type) | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples |
Illustrate (v.) | To explain or make something clear by using examples | Demonstrate, depict | “The diagram illustrates the processing stages of cocoa beans.” |
Process (n.) | A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end | Procedure, operation | “The process of cocoa bean production involves several stages.” |
Extract (v.) | To remove or take out, especially by effort or force | Remove, withdraw | “Cocoa liquor is extracted during the grinding stage.” |
Refine (v.) | To purify or process a substance to remove impurities | Purify, process | “The dried beans are refined to create industrial chocolate.” |
Package (v.) | To enclose or protect goods for distribution or sale | Wrap, box | “The cocoa powder is packaged for consumer use.” |
Stages (n.) |
Specific points or steps in a process |
Phases, steps |
“The process is divided into three main stages, starting from whole beans.” |
Harvest (v.) |
To gather crops for use or sale |
Collect, reap |
“Whole cocoa beans are harvested from the cocoa tree.” |
Shell (n.) |
The hard outer covering of certain objects |
Husk, casing |
“The outer shells of the beans are removed before drying.” |
Dry (v.) |
To remove moisture from something |
Dehydrate, desiccate |
“The beans are dried to prepare them for further processing.” |
Press (v.) |
To apply force to extract something |
Squeeze, compress |
“The dried beans are pressed to extract cocoa mass.” |
Mass (n.) |
A large, cohesive amount of a material |
Lump, block |
“A portion of this mass is further processed to produce cocoa cake.” |
Subject (v.) |
To cause or force something to undergo a process |
Expose, submit |
“A portion of the cocoa mass is subjected to additional pressing.” |
Refined (adj.) |
Improved or processed to remove impurities |
Purified, polished |
“The remaining mass is refined into industrial chocolate.” |
Industrial (adj.) |
Relating to large-scale manufacturing |
Manufacturing, factory |
“Industrial chocolate is created from the refined cocoa mass.” |
Sweetness (n.) |
The quality of being sweet |
Sugary, saccharine |
“Sugar is added to industrial chocolate for sweetness.” |
Grind (v.) |
To crush or break into smaller pieces |
Pulverize, mill |
“The cocoa cake is ground to create cocoa powder.” |
Liquor (n.) |
A liquid substance used in industrial or food processes |
Extract, fluid |
“Cocoa liquor is produced during the grinding process.” |
Utilize (v.) |
To make use of something |
Employ, use |
“The cocoa liquor is utilized in the food industry to create cakes and beverages.” |
Transform (v.) |
To change something into a different form |
Convert, alter |
“Industrial chocolate is transformed into finished products for consumers.” |
Consumer (n.) |
A person who buys or uses goods and services |
Customer, buyer |
“Cocoa powder is sent to the market for consumer use.” |
Enclose (v.) |
To surround or cover something completely |
Encircle, wrap |
“The cocoa powder is enclosed in packages for distribution.” |
Distinct (adj.) |
Clearly different or separate |
Unique, clear |
“The process involves three distinct stages.” |
Product (n.) |
A substance or item produced through a process |
Goods, commodity |
“The final market products include cocoa powder and chocolate.” |
Preparation (n.) |
The process of making something ready for use |
Arrangement, readiness |
“The beans are dried as part of their preparation for processing.” |
Culminate (v.) |
To reach the highest or final point |
Conclude, peak |
“The process culminates in the production of finished products.” |
Market (n.) |
A place or system where goods are sold |
Trade, marketplace |
“The cocoa powder is sent to the market for consumer use.” |
Process (v.) |
To perform a series of actions to achieve a result |
Treat, prepare |
“The cocoa beans are processed to create various products.” |
Produce (v.) |
To create or manufacture something |
Make, generate |
“The grinding process produces cocoa powder and cocoa liquor.” |
![Study Abroad Images ieltsvisa com version 3 IELTSVisa Logo](https://www.ieltsvisa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Study-Abroad-Images-ieltsvisa-com-version-3-scaled.jpg)
Our Books
Master IELTS Speaking Part 1
IELTS Writing Task 1 Book
IELTS Writing Task 2 Book
Writing Task 1 Question Types
Practice IELTS Other Modules
IELTS Listening
The IELTS Listening test assesses how well you can understand spoken English in various contexts. It lasts about 30 minutes and is divided into four sections with a total of 40 questions. The listening tasks become increasingly difficult as the test progresses.
IELTS Academic Reading
The IELTS Academic Reading section assesses your ability to understand and interpret a variety of texts in academic settings. It is designed to evaluate a range of reading skills, including skimming for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, understanding inferences, and recognizing a writer's opinions and arguments.
IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate in English on everyday topics. It lasts 11-14 minutes and consists of three parts: introduction, cue card, and a discussion based on the cue card topic.
IELTS General Reading
IELTS General Reading tests your ability to understand and interpret various types of texts. Here are some key areas and types of content you can expect to encounter in the reading section, along with tips for effective preparation.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are presented with a visual representation of information, such as graphs, charts, tables, or diagrams, and you are required to summarize, compare, or explain the data in your own words.
IELTS General Writing Task 1
In IELTS General Writing Task 1, you are required to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the prompt. Here’s a breakdown of the key components to include in your letter
IELTS Academic Writing Task 2
In IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, you are required to write an essay in response to a question or topic. Here’s a guide to help you understand the essential elements of this task
IELTS Exam Tips
To succeed in the IELTS exam, practice regularly, familiarize yourself with the test format, improve your vocabulary, develop time management skills, and take mock tests to build confidence.
Grammer for IELTS
Grammar is the foundation of effective communication in English. Understanding tense usage, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure enhances clarity and coherence in writing and speaking.
Vocabulary for IELTS
Vocabulary plays a crucial role in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam, especially in the Speaking and Writing sections. Here’s an overview of why vocabulary is important and how it impacts your performance
RECENT IELTS SAMPLES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Task 1 – Map -Changes in Pentland Coastal Area from 1950 to 2007
[df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Map -Changes in a Park from 1980 to Present
[df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Maps – The changes made in an Australian park
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Maps- The map shows the village park, now and 10 years ago
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Map -Changes in Sydney International Airport from 1930 to Present
[df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...
Task 1 – Diagram -Ilustrates how a simple water filter is constructed and how it functions to produce clean drinking water
20:00 Start Pause Stop [df_adh_heading title_infix="IELTS Writing Task 1 Question" use_divider="on"...