IELTS Writing Task 1 Process Diagram: Band 7 Template (with Sample Answer)

Process diagrams test sequencing and passive voice. Unlike line graphs or bar charts, there are no numbers — your job is to describe how something is made or how something happens, in order, using accurate technical vocabulary.

For other Task 1 question types, see line graph, bar chart, pie chart, and map templates.

Band 7 process diagram structure

Four paragraphs, 170-200 words:

1. Introduction — paraphrase the prompt + state how many stages
2. Overview — start point, end point, total stages, type of process
3. Body 1 — first half of the process in detail
4. Body 2 — second half of the process in detail

Step 1: Identify the process type

Two main types:

• Natural process — life cycles, weather, geological cycles (use active voice + present simple)
• Man-made process — manufacturing, recycling, water treatment (use passive voice)

Adjust your verbs accordingly.

Step 2: Paraphrase the prompt + count stages

Original: "The diagram below shows the process of glass recycling."

Paraphrased: "The diagram illustrates the stages involved in recycling glass into new products, beginning with collection and ending with the production of new glass items."

Always count the stages before writing. State the number in the introduction or overview: "The process consists of seven distinct stages."

Step 3: Write the overview

Capture start, end, total stages, and the type of process:

"Overall, glass recycling is a circular process that begins with the collection of used glass and ends with the manufacturing of new glass products. There are seven main stages, with crushing and melting representing the most energy-intensive steps."

Step 4: Body paragraph 1 — first half

Use sequencing vocabulary and passive voice for man-made processes:

"At the first stage, used glass bottles and jars are collected from households and dropped off at recycling centres. The collected glass is then transported to a processing facility, where it is sorted by colour. Once sorted, the glass is washed thoroughly to remove labels, residues, and contaminants."

Step 5: Body paragraph 2 — second half

"Following the cleaning stage, the glass is crushed into small fragments known as cullet. The cullet is subsequently melted in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius. The molten glass is then moulded into new bottles or other items, which are finally packaged and distributed to retailers, completing the recycling cycle."

Sequencing vocabulary

Beginning:

• at the first stage / step / phase
• the process begins / starts with
• initially, first, to begin with

Middle:

• next, then, subsequently, following this
• after that, once [X is complete]
• in the next / following stage

End:

• finally, lastly, in the final stage
• at the end of the process
• ultimately, eventually
• the process concludes / ends with

Cause and result:

• as a result, consequently
• this allows, this enables
• causing, leading to, resulting in

Passive voice patterns (essential for Band 7)

For man-made processes, use the passive voice consistently:

Active (avoid)	Passive (Band 7)
"Workers collect the glass"	"The glass is collected"
"They wash the bottles"	"The bottles are washed"
"The factory melts it"	"It is melted"

For natural processes, active present simple is correct:

• "The water evaporates from the ocean."
• "The seeds germinate underground."

Full sample Band 7 answer

Prompt: Glass recycling process diagram.

The diagram illustrates the stages involved in recycling glass into new products, beginning with collection from consumers and ending with the manufacture of new glass items.

Overall, glass recycling is a circular process that begins with the collection of used glass and ends with the production of new glass products. There are seven main stages, with crushing and melting representing the most energy-intensive steps.

At the first stage, used glass bottles and jars are collected from households and dropped off at recycling centres. The collected glass is then transported to a processing facility, where it is sorted by colour. Once sorted, the glass is washed thoroughly to remove labels, residues, and contaminants.

Following the cleaning stage, the glass is crushed into small fragments known as cullet. The cullet is subsequently melted in a furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Celsius. The molten glass is then moulded into new bottles or other items, which are finally packaged and distributed to retailers, completing the recycling cycle.

Word count: 188

Natural process variation

For a butterfly life cycle, weather cycle, or similar:

The cycle begins when an adult female butterfly lays eggs on a leaf. After approximately a week, each egg hatches into a caterpillar, which feeds continuously on the leaves. Once it has reached its full size, the caterpillar attaches itself to a stem and forms a chrysalis. Inside the chrysalis, transformation occurs over two weeks, after which a fully developed butterfly emerges, completing the cycle.

Note the active present simple: "lays," "hatches," "feeds."

Common process diagram mistakes

• Mixing active and passive voice within the same essay
• Forgetting sequencing words ("then," "next," "finally")
• Skipping stages
• Using incorrect tense (Task 1 processes are typically present simple)

For broader Task 1 mistakes, see Top 10 IELTS Writing Mistakes That Block Band 7.