IELTS Writing Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A process diagram shows how cement is manufactured. Which tense is most appropriate when describing the steps?
- Simple present passive (e.g., 'The limestone is crushed') (Correct answer)
- Simple past active (e.g., 'Workers crushed the limestone')
- Present perfect active (e.g., 'Workers have crushed the limestone')
- Future passive (e.g., 'The limestone will be crushed')
Correct 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.
Question 2: Your overview sentence for a process diagram should state:
- The number of stages and the main input/output of the process (Correct answer)
- Every individual step in precise chronological order
- The date the process was designed and its industrial application
- A comparison of this process with alternative manufacturing methods
Correct 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.
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?
- The car park was replaced by a shopping centre. (Correct answer)
- The car park replaces a shopping centre.
- The car park has replaced the shopping centre.
- A shopping centre will replace the car park.
Correct 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.
Question 4: When sequencing the steps of a process, which set of linking phrases is most appropriate?
- First, then, after that, subsequently, finally (Correct answer)
- However, on the other hand, in contrast, nevertheless
- For example, such as, in other words, namely
- In conclusion, to sum up, overall, in brief
Correct answer: First, then, after that, subsequently, finally
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?
- The forested area was converted into farmland. (Correct answer)
- The forested area is converted into farmland.
- The forested area converts into farmland.
- The forested area had converted into farmland.
Correct 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.
Question 6: In a Task 1 map response, what should you avoid including?
- Personal opinions about whether the changes are positive or negative (Correct answer)
- A description of what has changed between the two maps
- An overview summarising the main developments
- Specific vocabulary for locations (e.g., to the north of, adjacent to)
Correct 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.
Question 7: A process diagram shows water being filtered through several stages. Which sentence correctly describes one stage using passive voice?
- The water is passed through a sand filter to remove impurities. (Correct answer)
- Workers pass the water through a sand filter to remove impurities.
- The water passing through a sand filter to remove impurities.
- The water was pass through a sand filter to remove impurities.
Correct 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.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Maps and Process Diagrams 1
A process diagram shows how cement is manufactured.
Which tense is most appropriate when describing the steps?