general questions
What types of visuals are commonly used in Task 1?
Bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, tables, maps, and process diagrams.
What are some linking phrases for comparisons?
In comparison
While
Whereas
Compared to
On the other hand
Similarly
In contrast
How do I structure a process essay clearly?
Structure it into 4 paragraphs:
1. Introduction
2. Overview
3. First part of the process
4. Second part of the process
Do I need to mention every step?
Yes, mention all main steps, but don’t go into unnecessary detail (e.g., exact shapes/colors unless important).
How many paragraphs should a good Task 1 essay have?
1.Introduction
2. Overview
3. First detailed paragraph
4. Second detailed paragraph
How much time should I spend on Task 1?
Around 20 minutes, so you can spend 40 minutes on Task 2, which is worth more.
How do I avoid repetition when describing stages?
Use a variety of sequencing words (e.g., first, next, after that), and vary sentence structure (active/passive). Use synonyms (e.g., heated → boiled).
How should I group stages into paragraphs?
Split the process logically, e.g.,
Paragraph 1: Introduction & Overview
Paragraph 2: First half of the process
Paragraph 3: Second half of the process
What is the purpose of the overview, and where should it go?
It summarizes the main trends or key features of the visual. It’s best placed after the introduction, in a separate paragraph.
What are common grammar mistakes in Task 1?
Wrong tense usage
Subject-verb agreement
Misuse of articles (a, an, the)
Lack of variety in sentence structures
Overuse of simple sentences
What vocabulary should I use in process essays?
Sequencing: First, next, then, after that, finally
Passive verbs: is heated, is added, is filtered
Connectors: As soon as, once, subsequently
Which tense is appropriate?
Present simple passive is most common, unless a time is clearly given. For natural processes, present simple is fine too.
How can I paraphrase the question effectively?
Use synonyms and change the sentence structure. For example, "The bar chart shows..." can become "The given bar chart illustrates..."
How do I decide which data to include?
Include only significant features – highest/lowest values, similarities/differences, changes, trends. Avoid unnecessary repetition of all data.
Should I use active or passive voice?
Passive voice is preferred, especially when the actor is unknown or irrelevant (e.g., The water is collected...).
What linking devices are helpful in process essays?
First of all
Then
After that
In the following stage
Finally
The process continues with.
What tense should I use when describing visuals?
Use past tense if the data is in the past (e.g., 2010). Use present simple if no time is given. Use future tense if the chart shows predictions.
What is the word limit?
Minimum 150 words. Writing fewer may reduce your score. Writing too much can lead to time problems and mistakes.
How can I tell if the process is natural or man-made?
Natural: e.g., water cycle, photosynthesis
Man-made: e.g., brick production, coffee manufacturing
Look at the diagram’s content and language clues (machines, factories = man-made).
What’s the most common mistake in process essays?
Using active voice when passive is needed
Forgetting the overview
Listing stages without grouping or organizing
not using enough linking words