Writing Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Writing Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams flashcards as text
A process diagram shows how cement is manufactured. Which tense is most appropriate when describing the steps?
Answer: Simple present passive (e.g., 'The limestone is crushed')
Process diagrams describe a fixed, repeatable sequence, so the simple present passive is standard as the agent (doer) is unimportant.
Your overview sentence for a process diagram should state:
Answer: The number of stages and the main input/output of the process
An overview captures the big picture — how many stages there are and what goes in and comes out — without listing every detail.
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?
Answer: The car park was replaced by a shopping centre.
When comparing two maps showing past change, the simple past passive correctly describes the completed transformation.
When sequencing the steps of a process, which set of linking phrases is most appropriate?
Answer: First, then, after that, subsequently, finally
Sequential linkers (first, then, subsequently, finally) guide the reader through each stage in order.
A map shows a forest that was converted into farmland between 1970 and 2000. Which phrase best describes this?
Answer: The forested area was converted into farmland.
A past transformation on a historical map requires simple past passive; 'was converted' is the correct form.
In a Task 1 map response, what should you avoid including?
Answer: Personal opinions about whether the changes are positive or negative
Task 1 is purely descriptive; personal opinions or judgements about the changes are inappropriate and will lower your score.
A process diagram shows water being filtered through several stages. Which sentence correctly describes one stage using passive voice?
Answer: The water is passed through a sand filter to remove impurities.
The correct present passive form is 'is + past participle' ('is passed'), and the agent is omitted because it is irrelevant in a process.