IELTS Writing Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams 1

Question 1

A process diagram shows how cement is manufactured. Which tense is most appropriate when describing the steps?

Accepted Answer

Simple present passive (e.g., 'The limestone is crushed')

Answer

Process diagrams describe a fixed, repeatable sequence, so the simple present passive is standard as the agent (doer) is unimportant.

Question 2

Your overview sentence for a process diagram should state:

Accepted Answer

The number of stages and the main input/output of the process

Answer

An overview captures the big picture — how many stages there are and what goes in and comes out — without listing every detail.

Question 3

A map shows a town in 1990 and 2020. A car park has been demolished and a shopping centre now stands in its place. Which sentence is best?

Accepted Answer

The car park was replaced by a shopping centre.

Answer

When comparing two maps showing past change, the simple past passive correctly describes the completed transformation.

Question 4

When sequencing the steps of a process, which set of linking phrases is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

First, then, after that, subsequently, finally

Answer

Sequential linkers (first, then, subsequently, finally) guide the reader through each stage in order.

Question 5

A map shows a forest that was converted into farmland between 1970 and 2000. Which phrase best describes this?

Accepted Answer

The forested area was converted into farmland.

Answer

A past transformation on a historical map requires simple past passive; 'was converted' is the correct form.

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