Writing · Unit 3: Core strategies
W26: Task 1 process diagram
Target band 6.5 to 7
Process diagrams show how something is made or how something works, step by step. There are no numbers to compare. Instead, you describe stages in order, using the passive voice and sequence words. Many students fear process diagrams, but they're actually very predictable once you know the language.
Why this matters
Process diagrams test grammar strongly, especially the passive voice. They also test whether you can describe every stage clearly, without missing any, and still write an overview.
Two types of process
- Man-made (manufacturing): how bricks, paper or chocolate are produced. Use the passive: is heated, are cut.
- Natural: the life cycle of a frog, the water cycle. Use the active more: the eggs hatch, water evaporates.
The overview for a process
You can't say "X rose" here. Instead, say:
- how many stages there are
- where the process starts and ends
- whether it's linear or a cycle
Example: "Overall, there are seven main stages in the process, beginning with the picking of fresh leaves and ending with the packing of the finished tea."
The data
The diagram shows how black tea is produced.
| Stage | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Plucking | Fresh leaves are picked by hand |
| 2. Withering | Leaves are spread out for 12 to 18 hours to lose moisture |
| 3. Rolling | Leaves are rolled by machine to break them |
| 4. Oxidation | Leaves are left in a cool room and turn brown |
| 5. Drying | Leaves are dried with hot air |
| 6. Sorting | Leaves are sorted by size into grades |
| 7. Packing | Tea is packed and sent to shops |
(For your video, draw this as a simple flow of seven pictures with arrows.)
Model answer (about 175 words)
The diagram illustrates the main stages involved in the production of black tea.
Overall, there are seven stages in the process, beginning with the picking of fresh tea leaves and ending with the packing of the finished product for sale.
First, fresh leaves are plucked by hand from the tea plants. They are then spread out and left for between 12 and 18 hours, a stage known as withering, during which they lose much of their moisture. After this, the leaves are rolled by machine so that they are broken, which prepares them for the next stage.
The rolled leaves are then left in a cool room, where they oxidise and gradually turn brown. Once oxidation is complete, the leaves are dried using hot air. The dried tea is then sorted into different grades according to the size of the leaves. Finally, the tea is packed and transported to shops.
Why this answer works
- Clear overview with the number of stages, the start and the end.
- Passive voice throughout: are plucked, are rolled, is packed.
- Sequence words: First, then, After this, Once, Finally.
- Purpose and result: so that they are broken, which prepares them.
Sequence words for processes
First / To begin with / Then / Next / After this / Following this / Once this is done / At the next stage / Finally / In the final stage
The passive in one minute
Form: is / are + past participle.
- They pick the leaves. → The leaves are picked.
- A machine rolls the leaves. → The leaves are rolled by machine.
Use by only when the agent matters, like by hand or by machine.
Try it yourself
Change to the passive:
- Workers sort the bricks.
- The factory heats the clay to 1,000 degrees.
Show the answers
1) The bricks are sorted. 2) The clay is heated to 1,000 degrees.
Honest note
Don't add steps or details that aren't in the diagram. If the diagram doesn't say how long a stage takes, don't guess.
Your task today
Find a process task in a Cambridge book. Write it using at least five passive verbs and five sequence words.