Write a process description step by step
Describe the stages in the right order, with suitable verbs.
2 min read · Updated 9/8/2026
The key idea
In a process diagram, first find the start and the end. Then check whether the stages are linear or cyclical. In your writing, stay true to the order the arrows show.
If an operation is carried out on a product, the passive is useful: The bottles are washed. A natural action can be described in the active: Water evaporates.
Don't add temperatures, times and names of equipment that are not in the visual. Linking words should help explain the process: first, next, finally.
See an example
Practice process: Fruit is collected → washed → pressed for juice → juice is packaged.
First, the fruit is collected and washed. It is then pressed to extract the juice. Finally, the juice is packaged.
It refers to the fruit. In the last sentence, because the product has changed, the juice is named explicitly.
Now you try
Write three sentences from these stages:
Paper is collected → sorted by type → cleaned → new sheets are made.
Use at least two of the sequencing words. Don't add information that isn't given.
A personal draft. It is not saved when you leave or automatically graded.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Answer and explanation
Possible answer: First, used paper is collected and sorted. Next, it is cleaned. Finally, new sheets are produced from the processed material.
Each sentence is based on a given stage. There is no information such as “at 100 degrees”. The passive forms are built as is collected, is cleaned, are produced.
Does writing “however” make a paragraph cohesive?
Official sources for this topic
IELTS · Writing