Process Diagrams: Useful Language (British Council Academic IELTS: Writing): Study Material
Process diagrams: generic verbs for manufacturing processes
Below are vocabulary sets that will be useful for describing a process
collect
Example: Rainwater is collected in a large reservoir.
transport
Example: The mixture is transported to the heating chamber.
heat
Example: The liquid is heated to a high temperature.
cool
Example: The vapour is cooled to form a liquid.
mix
Example: The ingredients are mixed thoroughly in a rotating drum.
filter
Example: The water is filtered to remove impurities.
store
Example: The finished product is stored in containers.
package
Example: The goods are packaged before distribution.
assemble
Example: The components are assembled to form the final product.
convert
Example: The processed wood pulp is converted into large rolls of paper.
extract
Example: Iron ore is extracted from the earth using heavy machinery.
Process diagrams: sequential linkers
Sequential linkers are helpful in describing process diagrams as they take you from one step to the next
First / Firstly
Example: Firstly, the raw materials are extracted from the ground.
Next
Example: Next, the mixture is poured into a mould.
Then
Example: Then, it is left to cool for several hours.
After that
Example: After that, the product is inspected for quality.
Subsequently
Example: Subsequently, the liquid passes through a cooling chamber.
Following this
Example: Following this, the material is shaped into sheets.
Meanwhile
Example: Meanwhile, the waste is transported to a recycling facility.
Finally
Example: Finally, the finished goods are shipped to retailers.
At the last stage
Example: At the last stage, the items are packaged and labelled.
Process diagrams: use of tenses
The Present Simple is the standard choice when describing process diagrams
Present Simple: Used to describe a regular, timeless sequence
Example: The cycle begins when the raw milk arrives at the factory.
Present Perfect: Useful for showing a step that must be completed before the next starts
Example: Once the glass has been cooled, it is ready for cutting.
Process diagrams: passive voice
The passive voice is essential in describing a process because the action is more important than who or what is doing it
is/are + past participle: The standard way to describe a step.
Example: The milk is heated to 70°C.
subject + undergoes: A way to describe a process happening to an object
Example: The tea leaves undergo a process of fermentation in a dark room.
followed by: To link two passive actions in a sequence
Example: The washing stage is followed by a period of intensive drying.
is/are + being + past participle
Example: The materials are processed in the factory.
is/are + past participle + to-infinitive
Example: The liquid is heated to produce steam.
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