The IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 often presents candidates with a diagram or flowchart representing a process. It requires test-takers to analyze the given visual and describe the main stages or steps involved in the process.

This task assesses your ability to comprehend and convey information effectively.

In this article, we will discuss how to approach this task, understand the purpose of the process, and provide examples and sample answers.

1. Understanding the Purpose of the Process:

Before delving into the main stages of the process, it is essential to comprehend the purpose or objective of the process. This understanding enables you to accurately describe the steps involved and their significance. To grasp the purpose, carefully analyze the diagram or flowchart, paying attention to any labels, captions, or headings provided. This information will help you identify the overall function of the process and guide your description.

2. Identifying the Main Stages:

Once you have grasped the purpose, focus on identifying the main stages or steps involved in the process. Look for any significant changes or transformations occurring in the visual representation. These changes often indicate the distinct stages of the process. Pay attention to the order in which these stages occur, as sequencing is crucial in your description. Look for key features, such as inputs, outputs, tools, or equipment used in each stage. These details can enhance the accuracy of your response.

Let’s consider an example to better understand this concept:

The Water Purification Process:

Suppose you are presented with a flowchart illustrating the water purification process. This process aims to convert contaminated water into clean, potable water. The flowchart depicts the various steps involved in achieving this goal.

Sample Answer:

The provided flowchart illustrates the water purification process, which aims to convert contaminated water into clean, potable water. The process consists of five main stages.

In the first stage, water from a contaminated source enters the treatment facility through an intake pipe. This raw water undergoes a preliminary filtration process, where large debris and sediments are removed through a coarse screen. After this initial filtration, the water moves on to the next stage.

In the second stage, the pre-treated water passes through a set of fine screens, effectively removing more minor impurities such as particles and suspended solids. This process ensures that the water is free from any visible contaminants.

Following the second stage, the water enters a sedimentation tank, and in the third stage, the remaining impurities, such as fine particles and colloidal matter, settle down due to gravity. This settling process allows the removal of additional contaminants, resulting in more transparent water.

Next, the water undergoes disinfection in the fourth stage to eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms. Chlorine, a commonly used disinfectant, is added to the water in a carefully measured amount. This step ensures that the water is safe for consumption.

Finally, in the fifth and last stage, the disinfected water is treated with chemicals to improve its taste and odour. This stage may involve adding small amounts of chemicals such as lime or activated carbon to achieve the desired quality of the purified water.

In conclusion, the water purification process comprises five main stages. It begins with raw water intake, followed by preliminary filtration, fine screening, sedimentation, disinfection, and finally, chemical treatment. Each stage contributes to the overall objective of converting contaminated water into clean, potable water.

By following this approach, you can effectively analyze and describe the purpose of a given process and identify its primary stages. Remember to provide a clear and organized response while maintaining the accuracy of information.

Practice with various examples to enhance your skills and confidence in tackling IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 processes.