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How To Describe An Image or Diagram in Academic Task 1

The document provides instructions for describing a diagram or graphic for the IELTS academic writing task 1 exam. It outlines 8 steps to take, including reading the title, describing the main parts and their relationships, using sequencing words, including passive forms, paraphrasing, using conditionals, and writing a one paragraph summary. The steps are then demonstrated by providing a full sample response describing the carbon cycle diagram.

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265 views

How To Describe An Image or Diagram in Academic Task 1

The document provides instructions for describing a diagram or graphic for the IELTS academic writing task 1 exam. It outlines 8 steps to take, including reading the title, describing the main parts and their relationships, using sequencing words, including passive forms, paraphrasing, using conditionals, and writing a one paragraph summary. The steps are then demonstrated by providing a full sample response describing the carbon cycle diagram.

Uploaded by

Hazzzem
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to describe an image or diagram

in academic task 1

In this podcast, you get a complete and detailed tutorial on how to describe a
diagram/graphic for your IELTS academic writing task 1.

We also cover those same eight steps in the article below, so give it a thorough read
when preparing for your IELTS academic writing exam.

Describing a diagram for IELTS academic


writing: task 1
Describing a diagram or a graphic for your IELTS exam can seem like a scary task.
However, all you need to do is have a clear understanding of what is expected of you.

Strategy for describing a diagram


Let’s begin with the general outline.
First, pay attention to the title of the diagram – this will tell you what the diagram
shows.

Next, examine the diagram. Pay close attention to:

• The main parts of the diagram


• The relationship between these parts
• Any further explanations
Lastly, keep in mind that your text must contain at least 150 words. Try to spend
around 20 minutes on this task.

Remember that you have to describe the diagram itself, not why it is used.

Organize a structure for your description


Create a plan for your description. The structure usually contains three parts: the
introduction, the main body of text, and the summary.

Don’t worry if you don’t know any technical words. Use your own words to describe the
diagram.

• Introduction
In the introduction of your Diagram Description write about the purpose of the diagram.
• The main body of text
Use the main body of text to outline a step-by-step explanation of the diagram.
• Summary
In the summary sum up the principal idea of the diagram. Usually, one short paragraph
is enough.

8 Steps to describe a diagram for IELTS academic


writing: task 1
Now that we know how to structure the overall description of a diagram, we can
continue onto other important parts that will gain you better marks.

Here’s a list of eight steps to help you write an excellent description for a diagram, and
in turn gain you good marks!

So let’s do this together, step-by-step.


Step one
Read the title and the image of the diagram, and write about it – this will be your
introduction.

This image clearly illustrates the carbon cycle.

Step two
Describe the diagram in detail – this will be your main body of text.

Carbon-dioxide is released into the atmosphere by aquatic and terrestrial life respiration or
the decomposition of plant and animal life.
This CO2 is used in photosynthesis for the growth of plants and nourishment of animals.

These organisms die and decompose. This decomposition and waste are transformed into
carbon.

Carbon-dioxide is diffused into the ocean through precipitation when gases in the
atmosphere are transformed to water.

If the decomposition of carbon in the seabed and land is interrupted, it leads to the
development of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and gas.

These fossil fuels are extracted from the earth for human use.

During manufacturing processes, factories release fossil fuel emissions (including CO2) back
into the atmosphere.

Step three
Add sequencing words to your text in order to connect your descriptive sentences and
make it flow better.

Firstly, Carbon-dioxide is released into the atmosphere by aquatic and terrestrial life
respiration or the decomposition of plant and animal life.

Next, this CO2 Is used in photosynthesis for the growth of plants and nourishment of
animals.

Once these organisms die and decompose, this waste and decomposition is transformed into
carbon.

Additionally, carbon-dioxide is diffused into the ocean through precipitation when gases in
the atmosphere are transformed to water.

Step four
Make sure to include passive form in the description to define an action that is done.

In the ocean, this CO2 is converted into sedimentation in the seabed.


Step five
Make sure you paraphrase your second and third lines to avoid redundancy

Next, this CO2 is used in photosynthesis for the growth of plants and nourishment of
animals.

Once these organisms die, they are transformed into carbon.

Paraphrasing: plants and animals = organisms.

Step six
Include conditionals and adverb clauses to indicate possible outcomes when describing
the diagram.

Real conditional

If the decomposition of carbon in the seabed and land is interrupted, it leads to the
development of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and gas.

Adverb Clause

Once these organisms die, they are transformed into carbon.

Step seven
Write a clear summary of the principle idea of the diagram in one short paragraph.

This graph clearly indicates the cycle of carbon through the land and oceans.

Step eight
Read through your written work to check for any errors.

Here’s our final text – proofread it for any


mistakes and errors.
Firstly, carbon-dioxide is released into the atmosphere by aquatic and terrestrial life
respiration or the decomposition of plant and animal life.
Next, this CO2 Is used in photosynthesis for the growth of plants and nourishment of
animals.
Once these organisms die and decompose, this waste and decomposition is transformed into
carbon. Additionally, carbon-dioxide is diffused into the ocean through precipitation when
gases in the atmosphere are transformed to water. In the ocean, this CO2 is converted into
sedimentation in the seabed through the decomposition of marine animals. If the
decomposition of carbon in the seabed and land is interrupted, it leads to the development
of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal and gas. These fossil fuels are extracted from the earth for
human use. During manufacturing processes, factories release fossil fuel emissions
(including CO2) back into the atmosphere.

This diagram clearly indicates the cycle of carbon through the land and oceans.

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