Hello, I’m Sarah Thompson, an IELTS tutor and examiner with over 20 years of experience training Academic Writing students around the world.
In IELTS Academic Task 1, you might receive a process diagram or map comparison instead of charts or graphs. These tasks test your ability to describe stages, changes, and sequences clearly and objectively — not to explain reasons or give opinions.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to handle Process & Map Description questions confidently using the correct grammar, vocabulary, and structure for Band 7 to 9.
|
Type of Task |
What You See |
What You Must Do |
|
Process Diagram |
Stages showing how something is made or how a cycle works (e.g. water cycle, cement production) |
Describe each stage in order using passive voice and sequencing words. |
|
Map Comparison |
Two or more maps showing changes in a place over time |
Describe what has changed, what remains, and how the area was developed. |
Your writing should sound factual, not creative or speculative. Avoid words like I think, maybe, or probably.
Overall Structure for Task 1 (Process or Map)
|
Paragraph |
Purpose |
|
Introduction |
Paraphrase the question. |
|
Overview |
Summarise the main stages or overall changes. |
|
Body 1 |
Describe the first half of stages / changes. |
|
Body 2 |
Describe the remaining stages / changes clearly and logically. |
Band 8 Tip: Never list steps like bullet points — use connected sentences and linkers to show flow.
1️⃣ Identify the type of process: natural (e.g. water cycle) or manufactured (e.g. brick production).
2️⃣ Count the stages to plan paragraphs.
3️⃣ Note the start and end points.
4️⃣ Use sequencing language (“firstly,” “next,” “after that,” “finally”).
5️⃣ Use the passive voice to keep the tone formal and objective.
|
Order of Stages |
Useful Phrases |
|
Beginning |
Initially, To begin with, At the first stage |
|
Middle |
Next, After that, Subsequently, Then |
|
End |
Finally, At the last stage, In the final phase |
Example Sentence:
Initially, raw materials such as limestone and clay are crushed. Then, the mixture is heated in a rotating kiln before being ground into cement powder.
Band 8 Tip: Do not mention quantities or measurements unless they’re clearly shown in the diagram.
Most processes do not show who performs each action, so you must use the passive voice.
|
Active Voice |
Passive Voice |
|
Workers heat the mixture in a kiln. |
The mixture is heated in a kiln. |
|
They store the cement in bags. |
The cement is stored in bags. |
Band 8 Tip: Combine clauses for complexity:
After the materials are mixed, they are heated and then transferred to the cooling chamber.
1️⃣ Identify the time periods and locations shown.
2️⃣ Look for major changes: buildings added, roads removed, land use changes.
3️⃣ Group changes by area (e.g. north/south side of the town).
4️⃣ Use the present perfect or past simple tense based on the map context.
5️⃣ Describe using spatial prepositions and directional phrases.
|
Category |
Examples |
|
Prepositions of Place |
to the north of, in the centre of, on the east side |
|
Change Verbs |
was replaced by, was converted into, was demolished |
|
Additions |
was constructed, was built, was developed |
|
No Change |
remained, stayed, was unchanged |
Example Sentence:
A new residential area was constructed to the north of the main road, while the park remained in the centre of the town.
Include an overview that summarises the main developments:
✅ Example Overview:
Overall, the town became more urbanised with new housing and transport facilities replacing open land and farms.
Avoid listing every change; select the most noticeable ones (e.g. “addition of a shopping centre,” “replacement of a bridge”).
Common Mistakes in Process & Map Descriptions
|
Mistake |
Why It’s a Problem |
Fix |
|
Using active voice too often |
Sounds less formal |
Use passive for impersonal actions |
|
No overview paragraph |
Lowers Task Achievement |
Always summarise key changes |
|
Describing every minor detail |
Reduces clarity |
Group similar stages together |
|
Incorrect tenses in maps |
Confuses timeline |
Use present perfect for recent changes |
|
Missing spatial prepositions |
Unclear descriptions |
Add phrases like to the west of |
Question:
The diagrams show how a village has developed over a 20-year period.
✅ Sample Overview:
Overall, the village has transformed from a rural area into a modern residential community, with significant expansion in housing and road networks.
Try writing two sentences describing specific changes — for example, the addition of a school or a road extension.
Before you submit your Task 1 answer, ask:
If yes, your response already meets the criteria for Band 7 or above.
Process and Map tasks test your ability to describe clearly, not analyse deeply. Focus on order, accuracy, and formal tone. By mastering passive structures and sequencing language, you’ll write reports that sound professional and exam-ready.
Next, move to Data Vocabulary for Academic Task 1 to expand your word choice for numbers and quantities.
You can also revisit the IELTS Writing Overview: Format, Scoring & Key Skills page or check official samples on IELTS.org.
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