In the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, candidates often encounter diagrams or flowcharts representing processes.

Describing the changes that occur during the process is an important aspect of the task. It requires the effective use of language to convey the transformation or variations that occur at each stage.

This article will explore how to describe changes using appropriate vocabulary and examples in the context of IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 – Processes.

1. Vocabulary for Describing Changes:

To accurately describe changes, having a wide range of vocabulary at your disposal is crucial. Here are some useful words and phrases to describe changes that occur during a process:

• Increase

• Decrease

• Rise

• Fall

• Surge

• Plummet

• Grow

• Shrink

• Expand

• Contract

• Peak

• Bottom out

• Stabilize

• Fluctuate

• Reach a peak

• Experience a decline

2. Examples of Describing Changes:

Example: The Population Growth Process Stage 1:

The population starts at 1 million and steadily increases over the next decade, reaching 1.5 million by year 10.

In this example, the word “increases” describes the change in population size from 1 million to 1.5 million.

Example: The Manufacturing Process Stage 1:

The production rate initially rises from 100 units per hour to 200 units per hour in the first month, showing a significant increase.

Here, the phrases “rises from” and “to” is used to indicate the change in production rate from 100 units per hour to 200 units per hour.

Sample Answer:

The given diagram illustrates the process of tree growth.

The process consists of four main stages, each accompanied by specific changes that occur.

In the first stage, a seedling is planted in fertile soil. Over the next few weeks, the seedling begins to grow, with its height steadily increasing. By the end of the first month, it reaches a height of 10 centimetres.

Moving on to the second stage, the growth of the tree accelerates. In the following six months, the tree experiences a rapid increase in height, surging to 2 meters. Additionally, the branches start to develop and spread out, expanding the overall width of the tree.

In the third stage, the growth rate slows down. Over the course of the next two years, the tree continues to grow, albeit at a slower pace. The height increment becomes more gradual, stabilizing at around 4 meters. However, the branches continue to expand, reaching a width of approximately 3 meters.

Finally, in the fourth stage, the tree enters a phase of maturity. The height growth bottoms out, but the branches grow thickly. The tree stabilizes at a height of 6 meters and a width of 5 meters, demonstrating a balanced and mature form.

Using appropriate vocabulary to describe the changes that occur, the progression of the tree growth process is effectively conveyed, highlighting the various transformations in height, width, and growth rate.

In conclusion, accurately describing the changes during a process is essential in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1. The use of appropriate vocabulary and phrases helps convey the transformations and variations that take place at each stage.

Practice incorporating these language techniques into your writing to effectively describe changes and enhance your response to the task.