Process and Cycle Diagrams
Process:
A B C
Cycle:
A
…and the
process/procedure/cycle
starts over again.
C B
A.Tenses:
Generally, the present simple tense is used to report actions which regularly happen in a
process. Sometimes, the present perfect may also be used to signify the completion of a
stage
B.Passive vs. Active form
I. Natural events
For events which happen autonomously in nature, such as rain, formation of clouds or erosion
of mountains, generally use the active form unless you need to shift focus from the subject to
the object of the stage.
II. Artificial events
In artificial stages, the human subjects are usually ignored so use the passive to focus on
what is being done. If the subject has also been mentioned in the diagram, add it as an
"agent".
When you need to report the means or tool used to perform a stage, avoid using "by":
⚫ For tools: It is done using/through the use of a...
⚫ For methods: It is done through/via...
… is used to <inf.>
The role of … is to <inf.>
The … prevents/stops/protects/avoids … from <+ing/n> The … allows … to <inf.>
A. The first stage
First, Firstly, First off, First of all,
In the first stage, At/In the beginning,
The first stage is when,
The process begins/starts/commences when The process begins with +<n./n.p.>
B. Middle stages:
Next, Then
After this/that, Following this/that, Afterwards,
In the following stage,
In the stage after/following this, In the stage that follows,
Over the course of/During the next/following/second/third stage,
This is followed by +<n./n.p.>
When/After/Once <stage A>, <stage B>
<stage A>. When/Once this stage is complete, <stage B>
<stage A> before <stage B as n./n.p. or clause>
Before <stage B>, <stage A>
<stage A> after/following which <stage B>
<stage A> which is followed by <stage B as n./n.p.>
C. Last stage:
Finally, Ultimately, Eventually,
The last/final stage is when The process ends when The process ends with
<stage A> before finally <stage B as n./n.p.>
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The diagram below shows the process of using water to produce electricity.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The diagram below shows the life cycle of the honey bee.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where
relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
Nymph: immature form of an insect
Moult: shed or lose old feathers, hair
or skin to allow for new growth
