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This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay from the academic exam on the process of making ceramic pots.
There are called process or diagram questions and you might get one instead of a graph or chart.
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Before reading, listen to the sample answer and try to draw the process from my answer:
IELTS Writing Task 1 Sample Answer Essay: Ceramic Pots Process
The diagram below shows one method of manufacturing ceramic pots.

The diagram outlines one particular way of creating ceramic pots. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that this chemical process can be grouped into three main stages: collecting the raw materials, forming those materials into pots, and finishing the process by heating and colouring them.
The first stage of the process is to dig up and transport the raw materials to factories where they are then crushed and mixed with water to make them into a clay-like substance that can be molded into the shape of a pot. From there, they must dry for 4-6 hours in moulds in order to fix them into their final shape.
They are then placed in an oven and heated to over 1000 degrees celsius. Following this, the pots are colored and a ‘firing’ stage in the oven sets the paint pigments in place, finalising the process.
Analysis
1. The diagram outlines one particular way of creating ceramic pots. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that this chemical process can be grouped into three main stages: collecting the raw materials, forming those materials into pots, and finishing the process by heating and colouring them.
- Paraphrase what the diagram shows.
- Write a general overview dividing it into 2 or 3 main stages.
1. The first stage of the process is to dig up and transport the raw materials to factories where they are then crushed and mixed with water to make them into a clay-like substance that can be molded into the shape of a pot. 2. From there, they must dry for 4-6 hours in moulds in order to fix them into their final shape.
- Try to describe a lot of steps in one sentence to show off your grammar.
- Mix up long and shorter sentences.
1. They are then placed in an oven and heated to over 1000 degrees celsius. 2. Following this, the pots are colored and a ‘firing’ stage in the oven sets the paint pigments in place, finalising the process.
- Continue with the next part of the process. You can make a new paragraph when you get on to a new section of the process.
- Finish describing all the steps.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?
The diagram outlines one particular way of creating ceramic pots. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that this chemical process can be grouped into three main stages: collecting the raw materials, forming those materials into pots, and finishing the process by heating and colouring them.
The first stage of the process is to dig up and transport the raw materials to factories where they are then crushed and mixed with water to make them into a clay-like substance that can be molded into the shape of a pot. From there, they must dry for 4-6 hours in moulds in order to fix them into their final shape.
They are then placed in an oven and heated to over 1000 degrees celsius. Following this, the pots are colored and a ‘firing’ stage in the oven sets the paint pigments in place, finalising the process.
Answers
outlines describes
particular way one method
ceramic pots pots/buckets made from a clay-type substance
looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
chemical process involves the transformation of materials
grouped into combined
raw materials original source
finishing ending
dig up mine
transport send to
crushed ground up
mixed combined
clay-like substance similar to clay/mud
molded shaped
dry not wet
moulds holders to shape something
fix set in place
placed put in
celsius measurement of temperature
following this after this
‘firing’ stage setting in place the colour
sets the paint pigments in place making the colour stay
finalising finishing
Pronunciation
Listen and repeat:
ˈaʊtlaɪnz
pəˈtɪkjʊlə weɪ
sɪˈræmɪk pɒts
ˈlʊkɪŋ frɒm ən ˈəʊvərɔːl pəˈspɛktɪv, ɪt ɪz ˈrɛdɪli əˈpærənt ðæt
ˈkɛmɪkəl ˈprəʊsɛs
gruːpt ˈɪntuː
rɔː məˈtɪərɪəlz
ˈfɪnɪʃɪŋ
dɪg ʌp
ˈtrænspɔːt
krʌʃt
mɪkst
kleɪ-laɪk ˈsʌbstəns
ˈməʊldɪd
draɪ
məʊldz
fɪks
pleɪst
ˈsɛlsiəs
ˈfɒləʊɪŋ ðɪs
ˈfaɪərɪŋ steɪʤ
sɛts ðə peɪnt ˈpɪgmənts ɪn pleɪs
ˈfaɪnəlaɪzɪŋ
Vocabulary Practice
Remember and fill in the blanks:
The diagram o_________s one p_____________y of creating c______________s. L__________________________________________________________t this c_________________s can be g______________o three main stages: collecting the r________________s, forming those materials into pots, and f_____________g the process by heating and colouring them.
The first stage of the process is to d_______p and t_____________t the raw materials to factories where they are then c________d and m_________d with water to make them into a c____________________e that can be m___________d into the shape of a pot. From there, they must d___y for 4-6 hours in m_________s in order to f___x them into their final shape.
They are then p_________d in an oven and heated to over 1000 degrees c_________s. F_______________s, the pots are colored and a ‘f______________e in the oven s__________________________________e, f___________g the process.
Listen and check:
Listening Practice
Watch below about making a ceramic pot:
Speaking Practice
Practice with the related topic from IELTS speaking part 2 below:
Talk about a product made in your hometown. Include
what it is
how it is made
why it is special
Real Past IELTS Speaking Exam
Writing Practice
Write about the following process then check with my sample answer:

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