In the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, candidates often encounter diagrams or flowcharts representing processes. Describing these processes accurately and comprehensively is vital to achieving a high score.

Adding extra details and explanations is an effective way to enhance the description.

In this article, we will explore how to provide additional information to enrich the description of the process, along with examples and sample answers.

1. Providing Extra Details:

Adding extra details helps to provide a more thorough understanding of the process. It allows you to give specific information about each stage, including quantities, measurements, or particular actions involved.

Here’s an example:

Example: The Water Purification Process Stage 1:

Raw water is drawn from the source and directed to the treatment facility through an intake pipe. This intake pipe has a diameter of 10 centimetres, allowing a flow rate of 500 litres per minute.

In this example, the extra details of the pipe diameter and flow rate provide specific information that enhances the description of the process.

2. Offering Explanations:

In addition to providing extra details, offering explanations helps to clarify the purpose or significance of certain stages or actions within the process. It lets you demonstrate a deeper understanding of the process and its underlying principles.

Example: The Production of Paper Stage 1:

Wood chips are soaked in water to soften them. This soaking process helps to break down the lignin, a natural adhesive present in the wood and separates the fibres for pulping.

In this example, the explanation about the purpose of soaking the wood chips provides insight into the importance of this stage in producing paper.

Sample Answer:

The given diagram illustrates the process of chocolate production. Additional details and explanations are included to enhance the description of the process.

In the first stage, cocoa beans are harvested from the trees and collected in baskets by farmers. These beans are typically harvested when they are fully ripe and have reached their maximum flavour potential.

Moving on to the second stage, the beans undergo a fermentation process. The beans are placed in shallow containers and covered during fermentation to create a controlled environment. This allows the beans to develop their unique flavours and aromas.

After fermentation, the beans are spread out in a single layer and left to dry under the sun. This drying process can take up to a week, depending on the weather conditions. Ensuring the beans are dehydrated is crucial to prevent spoilage during storage and transportation.

Next, the dried beans are roasted in large rotating drums. Roasting plays a vital role in developing the characteristic flavours of chocolate. The duration and temperature of the roasting process are carefully controlled to achieve the desired flavour profile.

Following roasting, the beans are winnowed to remove the outer husks. This is done by passing the beans through a series of sieves or air streams, which separate the husks from the inner nibs. The nibs contain the essential components for making chocolate.

In the final stage, the nibs are ground into a thick paste known as chocolate liquor. This paste is then processed further to separate the cocoa solids from the cocoa butter, the natural fat in cocoa beans. The cocoa solids and cocoa butter can be combined in different proportions to create various types of chocolate.

A comprehensive description of the chocolate production process is presented by providing extra details and explanations. This enhances the reader’s understanding and showcases a more profound knowledge of the process.

In conclusion, adding extra details and explanations in the description of processes in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 enriches the overall response. It provides specific information, clarifies the purpose of each stage, and demonstrates a deeper understanding.

Practice incorporating additional details and explanations to create a well-rounded and informative process description.