In this article, I will use the IELTS Writing Task 1 tea-making process to demonstrate the thinking process, together with Band 9.0 and Band 6.0 reports.
When writing an IELTS Writing Task 1 report for a process diagram, a structured approach is essential to achieving a Band 6.0+, and eventually Band 9.0.
Below is a step-by-step thinking process that outlines how to analyze the diagram, create an outline, write the response, and refine it for maximum clarity and accuracy.
IELTS Writing Task 1: Tea-Making Process
The diagram shows how tea leaves are processed into five different types of tea.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Step 1: Understanding the Diagram
Key Questions to Ask
What is being illustrated?
The diagram shows how tea is produced from five different types of tea leaves.
How many stages are there?
Two: (1) Initial preparation and (2) Processing into different tea types.
What is common across all tea types?
The first stage (cultivation, harvesting, and withering) is identical for all.
What is different between the tea types?
The second stage involves different processing methods, including drying, steaming, rolling, fermentation, and crushing.
Identifying Key Features
Similarities: All tea varieties go through the same cultivation, harvesting, and withering stage.
Differences: The second stage varies, leading to five distinct tea types:
White tea → Dried immediately.
Green tea → Steamed, rolled, and dried.
Oolong tea → Rolled, briefly fermented, then dried.
Large leaf black tea → Rolled, fully fermented, then dried.
Small leaf black tea → Crushed, fully fermented, then dried.
Step 2: Creating an Outline
1️⃣ Introduction (1-2 sentences)
Paraphrase the question: Introduce the topic and what the diagram represents.
2️⃣ Overview (2 sentences)
Summarize the key features without too much detail.
Mention the common first stage and the varying second stage.
3️⃣ Body Paragraph 1: The First Stage (Same for All Tea Types)
Explain the cultivation and harvesting process.
Describe how the leaves wither before further processing.
4️⃣ Body Paragraph 2: The Second Stage (Differences Between Tea Types)
Describe the different methods used to process the leaves.
Group tea types based on similarities (e.g., non-fermented vs. fermented).
Use logical connectors (e.g., “in contrast,” “similarly”).
Step 3: Writing the First Draft
Once the outline is complete, writing becomes much easier. At this stage:
Follow the structure.
Use passive voice where appropriate (e.g., “leaves are harvested”).
Ensure clear comparisons.
Step 4: Refining the Report for Perfection
✔️ Step 4.1: Checking for Task Achievement (Band 9 Criteria)
✅ fully describe the process?
✅ include all key details?
✅ present the overview clearly with a summary of the most important features?
✔️ Step 4.2: Enhancing Coherence & Cohesion
Ask yourself if
✅ ideas are logically connected?
✅ paragraphs are structured properly?
✅ linking phrases are used effectively (e.g., “In contrast,” “Similarly”)?
✔️ Step 4.3: Improving Lexical Resource
Is the vocabulary in the report
✅ precise and varied?
✅ not frequently repeated?
✅ is used correctly if being technical terms?
✔️ Step 4.4: Checking Grammar & Accuracy
Does the grammar in the report
✅ show precision?
✅ contain complex sentence structures?
✅ include the passive voice that is correct and effective?
Sample Report (Band 5.0 – 6.0)
The diagram shows how tea is made from five different kinds of tea leaves.
Overall, the tea production process has two main steps. The first step is the same for all tea types, but the second step is different, which results in different kinds of tea.
First, tea plants are grown until their leaves are fully developed. When the leaves are mature, they are picked from the plants. After that, the leaves are left to dry until they start to look wilted. This is the end of the first step.
In the second stage, the leaves go through different treatments to make different types of tea. White tea is made by drying the leaves straight away in an oven. Green tea is made by steaming the leaves first, then rolling and drying them. Oolong tea is rolled but not steamed, then it goes through a short fermentation before being dried.
Black tea has two types. Large-leaf black tea is rolled and then fully fermented before drying. Small-leaf black tea is different because the leaves are crushed before going through the fermentation and drying process. (186 words)
Why This is a Band 5.0 – 6.0 Report
✅ Task Achievement (5.5 – 6.0)
- Covers the main steps of tea production but lacks detail in describing fermentation and drying processes.
- The overview is basic and does not fully explain how fermentation affects the different tea types.
✅ Coherence & Cohesion (5.5 – 6.0)
- Sentences are simple and do not use enough linking words (e.g., “in contrast,” “similarly”).
- Paragraphing is clear, but transitions between ideas are basic (mostly “then” and “after that”).
✅ Lexical Resource (5.0 – 6.0)
- Vocabulary is simple (e.g., “tea is made,” “leaves are picked,” “they start to look wilted”) rather than using more advanced phrases (e.g., “harvested,” “exhibit signs of wilting”).
- Some repetition of words (e.g., “drying,” “tea,” “leaves”).
✅ Grammar & Accuracy (5.0 – 6.0)
- Sentence structures are mostly simple (e.g., “Tea plants are grown until their leaves are fully developed.”)
- Passive voice is used but not consistently (e.g., “Black tea has two types” is too direct; “Black tea is classified into two types” would be better).
- A few minor grammar issues (e.g., “Black tea has two types” could be better structured).
Sample Report (Band 8.0+)
The diagram illustrates the process of producing tea from the leaves of five different varieties.
Overall, tea production consists of two main stages. While the first stage is identical for all tea types, the second stage involves different processing techniques, which determine the final variety of tea.
In the initial stage, tea plants are cultivated and carefully maintained until their leaves reach full maturity. Once mature, the leaves are harvested by plucking them from the plants. They are then left to wither until they display visible signs of wilting, indicating their readiness for further processing.
The second stage involves five distinct production methods, each resulting in a different type of tea. White tea is produced by drying the withered leaves immediately in an oven, while green tea requires an additional steaming step before being rolled and then oven-dried.
In contrast, teas that undergo fermentation exhibit greater complexity in their processing. Oolong tea is created by rolling the leaves without steaming, followed by a short fermentation period before drying. Similarly, large-leaf black tea also involves rolling; however, it undergoes full fermentation before being dried. The final variant, small-leaf black tea, is produced by crushing the wilted leaves prior to full fermentation and oven-drying. (211 words)
Why This Is a Band 8.0+ Answer
✅ Task Achievement (9.0):
- Covers all key details from the diagram with precise descriptions.
- Highlights both the similarities and differences between tea varieties.
- Provides an insightful comparison of fermentation’s impact.
✅ Coherence & Cohesion (9.0):
- Logically structured with clear paragraphing.
- Uses cohesive devices effectively (“in contrast,” “similarly,” “involves,” “prior to”).
- The progression of ideas is smooth from general to specific.
✅ Lexical Resource (9.0):
- Advanced vocabulary such as “exhibit visible signs of wilting”.
- Precise terminology: “fermentation,” “processing methods.”
- No repetition of words or phrases.
✅ Grammar & Accuracy (9.0):
- Complex sentence structures used naturally
- No grammatical errors or awkward phrasing.
- Passive voice is used appropriately to describe process steps.
Final Thoughts
Like this IELTS Writing Task 1 tea-making process, I highly recommend you follow this guide to deal with process reports in IELTS Academic Writing Task 1.
This structured approach ensures that the report:
✅ Covers all important details from the diagram.
✅ Provides a clear and concise overview.
✅ Uses precise language and advanced vocabulary.
✅ Follows a logical sequence with effective transitions.
✅ Contains varied sentence structures and flawless grammar.
🎯 By following this process, you can consistently produce high-scoring reports for IELTS Writing Task 1. 🚀🔥
Responses