IELTS Writing Task 1: Flow Charts

Today, we’ll be discussing one of the chart types in IELTS Writing Task 1—flow charts, also known as process diagrams.

What is a flow chart?

In IELTS Writing Task 1, the flow chart is one of the four main types of complex diagrams. In recent years, flow charts have appeared more frequently in exams. In 2023, flow charts featured six times, making them a dominant question type in IELTS Writing. Already in 2024, the flow chart has appeared twice in the first eight exams, so it’s crucial that students are well-prepared for this type of question.

In the past, many students dreaded encountering flow charts, as they are often considered challenging for candidates in certain regions. However, with their increasing frequency, it is now essential to approach them with the right strategy to tackle them confidently.

How to analyse a flow chart?

Let’s consider a classic flow chart example that illustrates the process of recycling glass bottles. The task is to describe the various stages in the recycling process. This particular flow chart is divided into three major phases, each with its own set of steps aimed at helping us understand the key stages involved.

Common difficulties

1. Complexity and multiple steps: Many students feel overwhelmed by the numerous arrows and steps in the chart, unsure of how to structure their response cohesively.

2. Lack of clear data trends: Unlike line graphs or pie charts, which display trends and data changes more clearly, flow charts lack this feature, leaving some candidates uncertain about where to begin.

However, flow charts aren’t as difficult as they seem. The key lies in understanding the continuity of steps and expressing them clearly in writing. Below, we will explore effective strategies for dealing with flow charts.

Basic strategies for writing about flow charts

1. Identify key terms: The task will usually provide the main topic and purpose of the chart, helping you pinpoint the essential information. Highlight these key terms, as they will often be used in your writing.

2. Establish the writing order: Follow the arrows and steps in the flow chart to determine the logical sequence of events. Generally, this will be either a chronological or spatial sequence.

3. Use appropriate verbs: Since flow charts depict dynamic processes, it’s important to use suitable verbs. Depending on the stage, verbs like "collect", "clean", and "mold" are useful.

4. Pay attention to linking words and sentence structures: To ensure the smooth transition between steps, use connectors such as “first”, “next”, “then”, and “finally”. Also, passive voice is commonly used in process descriptions.

Example

Let’s analyse the glass recycling process step by step:

- Stage one: Collection of glass bottles

   - A sentence for this stage could be written as:The first stage of the recycling process involves collecting used glass items, such as bottles and cups. These are then taken to collection points and transported by lorries to a cleaning facility for further processing.

- Stage two: Cleaning and sorting the glass

   -In the second stage, the collected glass is washed using high-pressure water and then sorted by colour into categories such as brown, green, and clear. After classification, the glass is sent to various recycling plants where it is melted in a furnace.

- Stage three: Remoulding and reuse

   -Finally, in the last stage, the melted glass is moulded into new bottles, which are subsequently distributed to supermarkets for consumer use.

In the concluding paragraph, you might comment on the key steps in the process, for example:In summary, it is evident that the second stage is the most crucial and complex, as it involves the essential tasks of cleaning and classification.

By following this structure and using the appropriate language, you can confidently approach any flow chart in the IELTS Writing exam.