AVTC7_ Diagrams

DIAGRAMS
I. Pre-writing
1. Definition and Characteristics

* Definition:
A diagram is a series of pictures that are connected by arrows. It often includes:
- title of the diagram;
- labels that explain the pictures;
- pictures that show:
+ an industrial process (e.g. how plastic is made);
+ a biological process (e.g. the lifecycle of a snail);
+ a physical process (e.g. the water cycle or the rock cycle);
+ an intellectual process (e.g. how decisions are made at one company).
* Characteristics:
There are several types of diagrams. You may see:
- a linear diagram (one with a clear beginning and a clear end);
- a diagram involving alternative stages;
- a diagram which shows two processes (one that follows another);
- a cyclical diagram (in a circle).

An example of cyclical (in a circle) diagrams:

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An example of linear (one starting point and one ending point) diagrams:

-
(Adapted from Rogers, B., & Kenny, N. (2016). The Complete Guide to
IELTS: Students book: Band 5.5-7+. National Geographic Learning, Cengage Learning.)

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2. Structure of diagrams

Introduction Introduce the type of information shown in the

diagram (Paraphrase the question).
(1-2 sentences)

Overview State the number of steps/ stages, including the

starting and ending point.
(1-2 sentences)

Body 1 Describe the first group of steps/ stages

(2-3 sentences)

Body 2 Describe the second group of steps/ stages

(2-3 sentences)

*Notes:

- If you do NOT give any overview, you will get below band 5 for the Task Achievement
criterion.

- You should try to mention all the steps in a process. You can also group some steps
in one sentence but don't omit any steps.

3. Useful language
Look at the diagram below and study how the useful language is used.

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Source: IELTS Simon (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.ielts-
simon.com/.a/6a0120a5bb05d8970c017ee72d1fea970d-pi)

Introduction

INTRODUCTION
The picture(s) illustrate(s) the various stages in the development of + N
The illustration show(s) how + N + is/are + Past Participle
The diagram highlight(s) the steps/stages involved in + N/ V-ing
The infographic depict(s) the steps by which + S + is/ are + Past
The flowchart detail(s) Participle (+ over a period of + number +
demonstrate(s) years).
the different steps needed + to V (produce/
make) + from + (number) original ingredients.

Examples:
The picture illustrates the various stages in the development of a honey bee.

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The diagram details the stages involved in the life cycle of a honey bee.

OVERVIEW
- The process begins with + [Noun/Noun phrase] and ends with + [Noun/Noun
phrase].
- It is clear that there are + [number] + stages in the production of + [Noun/Noun
phrase] / in the complete cycle of + [Noun/Noun phrase], beginning with +
[Noun/Noun phrase] and ending with + [Noun/Noun phrase].
- S + is a fairly complicated/ complex process in which there are + [number] +
stages from commencement to finalization, starting with + [Noun/Noun phrase].
- S + consists of/ comprises/ is made up of/ has + several parts/ [number] main/key
parts.

Examples:
The process begins with egg laying and ends with the full maturity of the honey
bee.
It is clear that there are five main stages in the complete cycle of the honey
bee, beginning with egg laying and ending with the full maturity of the honey bee.
It is a fairly complicated process in which there are 5 stages, from
commencement to finalization, starting with egg laying.
The hot-air balloon consists of three key parts: the envelope, the basket and the
burner.
DETAILS
Sequencing the process
The first stage:

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- The process commences with + [Noun/Noun phrase] / The process starts when +
[clause].
- In the initial phase of the process, S + be + Past Participle, after which + S + V.
- The first stage of + O + involves + [Noun/Noun phrase].
- First/ First of all/ Initially/ To start with, [clause].
Examples:
- The process starts when a female bee lays one or two eggs every three days.
- In the initial phase of the bee’s life cycle, one or two eggs are laid, after which
they hatch after 9 or 10 days.
- The first stage of the process involves a female bee laying one or two eggs every
three days.
- To start with, a female bee lays one or two eggs every three days.
The subsequent stages:
- In the subsequent stage, [clause].
- Meanwhile/ At the same time, [clause].
- Next/ Then/ Following this, [clause].
- After/ Once + S + PP, [clause].
- As a result, [clause].
The final step:
- The process + comes to an end with + [Noun/ Noun phrase].
- Finally,/ Lastly, [clause].
- The final/ last step/ stage is to [Verb].
Examples:
- In the subsequent stage, each egg hatches and after approximately 10 days, the
immature insect, or nymph, appears.

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- Next, these immature forms of insects undergo their first moulting five days after
their emergence. Following this, the second and third moulting of the bee take
place in another 7 and 9 days.
- Once this stage is complete, the young adult emerges.
- The process comes to an end with the full maturity of the honey bee after 4 days.
The mature female bees than lay eggs again and the life cycle begin anew.
Source: Adapted from IELTS Simon (Jan 24, 2013). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://www.ielts-
simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2013/01/ielts-writing-task-1-life-cycle-essay.html

VERB FORMS FOR PROCESS DIAGRAMS

In most process diagrams, the emphasis is on the action, not on the person.
Therefore, you will generally use verbs in the passive in your response.
Present The clay is then filtered Brick manufacturing
passive and processed in a roller
machine and then mixed
with sand and water.
In the third stage, the
mixture is either kept in a
mould or cut in a wire
cutter to make the raw Adapted from IELTS Mentor (n.d.).
shape of the bricks Retrieved January 28, 2023, from
(Used to describe https://www.ielts-mentor.com/writing-
industrial, agricultural, or sample/academic-writing-task-1/988-
business processes.) process-by-which-bricks-are-
manufactured-for-the-building-industry
Present After the shaped raw
perfect bricks have been dried
passive

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for 24 to 48 hours in a
drying oven, they are kept
in a kiln, both in
moderate and high
temperatures, up to 1300
degrees centigrade.
(In clauses beginning with
the signal words Once...
or After...)

is + to + The next step is to place

infinitive the bricks in a cooling
chamber.
Passive The bricks should be
modal cooled down from 48 to
verbs
72 hours.
(In a response to a 'how
to' process: how to
manufacture bricks)
Imperative After that, package the
(Command) bricks before delivery
form
which is the final step of
the process.
(Can also be used in
responses to 'how to'
processes.)

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Present In the last part of the

simple tadpole stage, its legs
active
break through and are
(For
biological or formed on the tadpole.
other Then the frog emerges in
natural
a more familiar shape in
processes)
the next three stages.
(Adapted from Rogers, B., & Kenny, N. (2016). The Complete Guide to
IELTS: Students book: Band 5.5-7+. National Geographic Learning, Cengage Learning.)

4. Analyzing a sample task

Task 1. Look at the chart below (SB, p.219). Use the information from the chart to
answer the questions.

The diagram shows the way in which wind-powered energy is created and transported
to the consumer.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

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Generating electricity with wind power

(Adapted from Rogers, B., & Kenny, N. (2016). The Complete Guide to
IELTS: Students book: Band 5.5-7+. National Geographic Learning, Cengage Learning.)

1. Is it a man-made or natural process? Is it linear (one starting point and one ending point)
or cyclical (in a circle)?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Where/ When does it start and where/ when does it end?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Is there any raw material? What is produced at the end of the process?
____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

4. How many stages are there? Are there any stages that happen simultaneously?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

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5. What are the key stages?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

6. How can the stages be combined or separated?

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
7. What tenses are required?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

8. Do we express our opinion about the process; for example: “This is the most significant step;
we have to be very careful”?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

9. Do we need to compare or talk about trends?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Task 2. Use the language in I. PRE-WRITING, 3. USEFUL LANGUAGE to complete the

description of the charts above.

Following this beginning with In the initial phase of the process

how Once Meanwhile
The diagram illustrates (1)________ electricity is generated by the power of the wind.

It is clear that there are 5 stages in the production of electricity generation, (2)________
choosing an appropriate location and ending with delivering the electricity to the
consumers.

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(3)________, a suitable place must be found to build a wind generator, such as a hilltop or a
windy region. (4)________the wind rotates the rotor and blades, raw electricity is produced.

(5)________, the electricity output will split into two distinct directions. Some of the
electricity is stored in batteries to maintain a consistent power flow, particularly during
periods of minimal wind. (6)________, the remaining electricity is directed to a transformer,
where it's converted into a usable form at voltages spanning from 700 to 38,000 volts. The
final stage is to transport the converted electricity across the nation via high-voltage lines
to meet the demand for power in essential locations like residences, factories, and
schools.

(164 words)

5. Brainstorm ideas
Look at the bar chart below (SB, p.225) and do the following tasks.

The diagram below explains how to change a tyre.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main feature, and make
comparions where relevant.

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How to change a tyre

(Adapted from Rogers, B., & Kenny, N. (2016). The Complete Guide to
IELTS: Students book: Band 5.5-7+. National Geographic Learning, Cengage Learning.)

Task 3. Analyze the chart by answering the following questions. Answers in your own
words.

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1. Is it a man-made or natural process? Is it linear (one starting point and one ending point)
or cyclical (in a circle)?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

2. How many stages are there? Where/ When does it start and where/ when does it end?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

3. What are the key stages?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

4. How can the stages be combined or separated into body 1 and body 2?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

5. What tenses are required?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

6. Do we express our opinion about the process; for example: “This is the most significant
step; we have to be very careful”?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

7. Do we need to compare or talk about trends?

____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

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Task 4. Watch the video and match the verb with its corresponding noun to describe
tyre changing.

1. Turn on a. Parking brake

2. Apply b. Hazard light
3. Remove c. Wheel cover
4. Loosen/ Tighten d. Lug nuts
5. Place e. Owner’s manual
6. Slide f. Flat tyre off
7. Consult g. Jack under the car

(Source: YouTube: How to Change a Flat Tire – Bridgestone. Retrieved Jan 10, 2023, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSJc0jWiQdM)

Task 5. Look at the chart (5. Brainstorm ideas, (SB, p.225) and 3. Useful language
above, complete the sentences with the correct form of PASSIVE MODAL VERBS.

1. The essential equipment such as a spare tyre, jack, and wrench ______________________
(prepare) before starting your work.

2. The car ______________________ (raise) until it is 15 cm above the ground.

3. Once this step is complete, the wheel nuts ______________________ (now remove) and
the old tyre ______________________ (take) off.

4. The spare tyre ______________________ (not tighten) all the way during this stage.

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Task 6. Complete the outline for the charts based on the ideas in Task 4 and the
useful language in Pre-writing.

Paragraph 1: _____________________________________________________

Introduction _____________________________________________________

Paragraph 2: _____________________________________________________

Overview _____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________
Paragraph 3: Body 1
_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________
Paragraph 4: Body 2
_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

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