IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture bricks for the building industry.

Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons
where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

The Brick Manufacturing Process

P
rocess Model Answer
The diagram explains the way in which bricks are made for the building industry.
Overall, there are seven stages in the process, beginning with the digging up of clay and
culminating in delivery.
To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is dug up from the ground by a large digger. This
clay is then placed onto a metal grid, which is used to break up the clay into smaller pieces. A
roller assists in this process. Following this, sand and water are added to the clay, and this
mixture is turned into bricks by either placing it into a mould or using a wire cutter. Next, these
bricks are placed in an oven to dry for 24 – 48 hours. 
In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process. They are heated in
a kiln at a moderate and then a high temperature (ranging from 200c to 1300c), followed by a
cooling process in a chamber for 2 – 3 days. Finally, the bricks are packed and delivered to their
destinations.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

Model answer
The diagram shows the seven most important stages in the making of honey by bees.

The process begins with the honey bees building a hive, and then finishes when the honey is ready to be collected
and used.

Firstly, the bees have to build a container. This is called a hive and it consists of many individually built cells.
Next, the bees leave the hive in order to search for flowers. When they find a suitable flower, they collect the
nectar from it, which is used to make honey.

The nectar is then taken back to the hive where the production process can begin. First, it is put into cells. Then,
following this, the nectar must be cooled down. In order to do this, the bees fan the nectar-filled cells with their
wings. As a result, the nectar loses its water content and then finally, the honey is produced.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

The diagram below shows the production of electricity using a system called Ocean Thermal Energy
Conversion (OTEC).

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information below.

Write at least 150 words.

Model answer
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a system that converts heat energy into the electric power using the
temperature difference between surface seawater, which can be up to 29 degrees Celsius, and deep seawater,
which is only 5 degrees Celsius.

The main components of the system are an evacuated evaporation chamber, a turbine and a condensing chamber.
The solar energy of the sun heats up the surface water and this warm water is introduced into the evacuated
evaporation chamber, where it boils. As it boils, salt is deposited and water vapour is generated.

This vapour then drives a turbine to generate electricity. After it powers the turbine, the water vapour enters the
condensing chamber, which is cooled by the water from the depths of the ocean. The water vapour is condensed
in this chamber, producing drinking water. Meanwhile, waste salt water is discharged into the ocean and the
process can be repeated.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

 Model answer
The diagram shows a process for producing electricity for home use.

The equipment consists of a large tank, boxes and pipes that would be able to fit into a garage-sized room.

Electricity is produced using methane gas, generated from a mix of compost and water in a large steel tank.
The tank is about the same height as a person and about twice as wide. Methane rises to the top of the tank
and is collected and stored in a gas storage system. The stored gas is the fuel source used in the energy
conversions that happen next.

Once compressed in a gas compressor, the methane fuels a combustion engine, which in turn produces
mechanical energy. Having been transferred to a generator, the mechanical energy is then transformed into
electrical energy, which is then stored in a battery. At this stage the electricity is ready for home use.

(150 words)

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

 Model answer
The diagram illustrates how aluminium cans are recycled.

First, the cans need to be taken to special collection centres instead of being thrown away with the normal refuse.
The cans are collected from here and taken to a factory where they are first sorted and then cleaned. Next, the
cans are shredded and crushed in a special machine.

The metal is then heated to a high enough temperature to allow the aluminium to melt. It is then rolled out flat to
a thickness of between 2.5mm and 6 mm, depending on what it is going to be used for. The aluminium is now
ready to be recycled into new packaging, such as drink containers.

Finally, the new cans are delivered to a soft drinks factory where they are filled. The cans can now be sold to the
public and reused. In the UK, 74 per cent of all aluminium cans that are sold are recycled.

(155 words)

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

 Model answer
This diagram shows that there are a number of processes involved in the commercial production of frozen fish
pies. The main ingredients consist of fresh salmon, peas and sauce, with sliced potatoes, and they are prepared
separately. The potatoes, which may have been delivered up to a month in advance, are cleaned, peeled and cut
into slices. The slices are boiled and then chilled before being stored until needed. The preparation of the fish is
more labour intensive than the preparation of the potatoes. Within twelve hours of being delivered to the factory,
the fresh fish is cooked by being steamed with lemon juice and salt. Then the skin and bones are removed by
hand and disposed of, before a visual inspection takes place.

After this, the pies are assembled in microwaveable containers Peas and sauce, which have also been prepared,
are added to the fish and then the pie is covered with a layer of cooked potato slices. The pies are then wrapped
and frozen. At this point they are ready for dispatch, or they may be stored at the factory before being dispatched.

(185 words)