Blog Writing

Process diagrams

Process diagrams show how something is done or made. They always show steps/stages. Here's some advice about how to describe them:

• Try to write 4 paragraphs - introduction, summary of main points, 2 detail paragraphs.

• Write the introduction by paraphrasing the question (rewrite it by changing some of the words).

• For your summary, first say how many steps there are in the process. Then say where/how the process begins and ends (look at the first and last stages).

• In paragraphs 3 and 4, describe the process step by step. Include the first and last steps that you mentioned in the summary, but try to describe them in more detail or in a different way.

• You could describe the steps in one paragraph, but it looks more organised if you break the description into two paragraphs. Just start paragraph 4 somewhere in the middle of the process.

• Mention every stage in the process.

• Use 'sequencing' language e.g. at the first / second / following / final stage of the process, next, after that, then, finally etc.

• Times (e.g. past dates) are not usually shown, so use the present simple tense.

• It's usually a good idea to use the passive e.g. 'At the final stage, the product is delivered to shops' (because we don't need to know who delivered the product).

Paraphrasing

The easiest way to start your Task 1 essay is by paraphrasing the question. Paraphrasing means writing something in a different way (using your own words).

Here are some simple changes you can make:

• graph = line graph
• chart = bar chart
• diagram = figure
• shows = illustrates (or 'compares' if the graph is comparing)
• proportion = percentage
• information = data
• the number of = the figure for
• the proportion of = the figure for
• people in the USA = Americans
• from 1999 to 2009 = between 1999 and 2009
• from 1999 to 2009 = over a period of 10 years
• how to produce = the process of producing
• in three countries = in the UK, France and Spain (i.e. name the countries)

Tip:
"The figure for / figures for" is a great phrase that not many people use (e.g. the graph shows figures for unemployment in three countries).

 

 

 

 

 

 

The diagrams below show the life cycle of the silkworm and the stages in the production of silk cloth.

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