IELTSVegaIELTS Writing Task 1 · 2026
Process / diagram (how something works)
A sequence of stages (natural cycle or manufacturing) or how a device works. Tests sequencing and the passive voice.
How to answer
- 1Count the stages and note where the process begins and ends (or if it's a cycle).
- 2Overview: state the number of stages and whether it's natural/man-made, linear/cyclical.
- 3Describe each stage in order using sequencers and mostly the passive voice.
Plan (before you write)
Number the stages 1→n and note the input and output of each.
Structure
- Intro: what the process produces/shows.
- Overview: number of stages, start and end, linear or cyclical.
- Body 1: the first half of the stages.
- Body 2: the remaining stages.
Useful language
- first, initially; then, next, subsequently, after that; finally, at the final stage
- is/are + past participle (is collected, are transported, is heated); once … has been …; this results in
Common mistakes
- Using active voice throughout ('they heat the water') instead of the passive.
- No overview of how many stages / where it starts and ends.
Sample question & model answer
The diagram below shows how glass bottles are recycled. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features.
The diagram illustrates the process by which used glass bottles are recycled and returned to shops as new products. Overall, recycling glass is a linear process comprising seven main stages, beginning with the collection of used bottles and ending with the distribution of newly manufactured glassware to retailers. At the first stage, used glass bottles are collected from households and deposited in recycling banks. They are then transported by lorry to a processing plant, where the glass is washed thoroughly to remove any impurities. Once cleaned, the bottles are sorted according to colour. In the subsequent stages, the sorted glass is crushed into small fragments known as cullet. This cullet is then melted in a furnace at extremely high temperatures until it becomes molten. Finally, the molten glass is moulded into new bottles, which are packaged and delivered to shops, ready to be used once again.
Why it scores
- Overview gives stage count, start, end and linear nature.
- Passive voice used accurately and consistently; strong sequencers connect the stages.