Sample Template For Cycle: Master IELTS Task 1
Struggling to interpret complex graphs or manage your time effectively? IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 is often seen as a major hurdle, requiring both English proficiency and precise data analysis skills. This comprehensive guide, powered by expert insights from IELTS-TestPro, is designed to help you overcome these challenges. While we cover all chart types, this edition places a special emphasis on the Sample Template For Cycle, breaking down essential vocabulary and structural strategies to help you succeed.
1. Introduction
The introduction’s primary function is to paraphrase the prompt objectively. You must identify whether the diagram illustrates a manufacturing process or a natural life cycle.
Core Templates
| Focus Type | Template Structure |
|---|---|
| Action Focus | The chart/diagram(s) + illustrate(s)/demonstrate(s) + how + [Subject] + is/are + produced/manufactured/processed… |
| Object Focus | The diagram + details + the process of + [Noun Phrase/Gerund]. |
In-Depth Grammar Analysis
| Feature | Rule & Analysis |
|---|---|
| Subject-Verb Agreement | • One diagram $\rightarrow$ use shows/illustrates.
• Two or more diagrams $\rightarrow$ use show/illustrate. |
| Lexical Resource | Avoid basic verbs like show. Upgrade to: illustrate, depict, demonstrate, delineate. |
IELTS-Testpro Tip: Never copy the prompt word-for-word. If the prompt is “The diagram shows the life cycle of a frog,” rephrase it to: “The diagram illustrates the various stages in the life of a frog.”
2. Overview
In a process task, the Overview does not summarize trends (increase/decrease). Instead, it summarizes the structure of the cycle.
Core Templates
| Structure Type | Template Pattern |
|---|---|
| Composition | Overall, the process + is comprised of / consists of + [Number] + distinct stages, commencing with + [First Step] + and culminating in + [Last Step]. |
| Production | Overall, the process of producing + [Product] + involves + [Number] + main steps, starting with + [First Step] + and ending with + [Last Step]. |
Exam Function: This paragraph acts as a “roadmap” for the examiner. Clearly identifying the starting point and the ending point demonstrates that you understand the full cycle, significantly boosting your Task Achievement score.
3. Body Paragraphs
To maximize coherence, divide the body into two logical sections (Body 1 & Body 2). Typically, Body 1 covers the first half (e.g., raw materials to processing), and Body 2 covers the remainder (e.g., packaging to delivery).
a. Tense Strategy
In 95% of Process tasks, the Present Simple Tense is mandatory because a cycle is a factual, recurring general truth.
| Voice | Example | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Active Voice | The machine grinds the corn. | Less common in formal reports. |
| Passive Voice | The corn is ground by the machine. | Highly Recommended. Key indicator for Band 7.0+. |
b. Linking Words (Sequencing)
Coherence relies on how effectively you guide the reader through the steps. Use the table below to vary your vocabulary.
| Phase | Recommended Linking Words & Phrases |
|---|---|
| Initiation (The Start) | • Firstly / First of all / To begin with…
• The process commences with…
• The first step in the process is… |
| Progression (The Middle) | • Secondly / Subsequently / Following this…
• At the subsequent stage / In the next step…
• After / Before + [V-ing / being + V3]…
• Simultaneously / At the same time… |
| Conclusion (The End) | • Finally / The final step is…
• The process concludes with… |
c. Advanced Grammatical Structures
To impress examiners, incorporate these advanced structures recommended by IELTS-Testpro:
| Grammar Point | Structure Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Modal Passive | [Subject] + should/must/can + be + [Past Participle] | The fruit must be washed thoroughly before processing. |
| “Once” Time Clause | Once + [Subject] + has been + [Past Participle], + [Main Clause] | Once the tea leaves have been dried, they are packed into boxes. |
| Purpose Clauses | [Action] + in order to / so as to + [Verb] | The mixture is heated in order to eliminate bacteria. |
Practice Exercise (IELTS-Testpro Challenge)
Test your understanding of the Sample Template For Cycle with these quick questions.
Question 1: Choose the correct verb form. “The diagram illustrates how plastic bottles ______.” A. are recycled B. recycling C. recycle D. have recycled
Question 2: Which connector is best for the last step? “______, the product is distributed to supermarkets.” A. Initially B. To begin with C. Finally D. During
Question 3: Select the correct complex structure using “Once”. A. Once the glass collects, it is crushed. B. Once the glass has been collected, it is crushed. C. Once collected the glass, it is crushed.
Answer Key & Explanation
| Question | Correct Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | A (are recycled) | We use the Passive Voice (Present Simple) because bottles cannot recycle themselves. |
| 2 | C (Finally) | Indicates the conclusion of the cycle. |
| 3 | B | The structure Once + S + has been + P2 emphasizes that the first action is fully completed before the next begins. |
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