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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Dave
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:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWJ9EDnYInI
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:
The diagram depicts information on how to make ceramic pots. Overall, it is clear that the method of manufacturing has four main stages, beginning with the collection of raw materials, conversion into clay, molding & drying, to the process of completing products.
In the first stage, the soil is being excavated through heavy equipment to collect raw materials and transported to the factory. The gathered materials are then crushed into small particles before mixing it up with water to form a clay. Consequently, it is molded through the use of a machine to create a perfect shape of a pot. The next step is drying the molded clay for 4-6 hours.
In the subsequent stage, assembled clay pots are then heated in the oven with a temperature of 1,000 degrees celsius. Following this, the pots are colored to be more presentable and undergone firing as part of ensuring the quality before finalizing the products.
Good work again Jessica!
Really nice overview, careful with your helping verb when writing in the passive voice in the second paragraph…
Hello Dave! Thank you for helping us with so helpful tips regarding the Ielts test. I am trying to get through all the type of essays these days because I will have have the exam this Saturday, it is my first attempt and I hope to get a 7 in each section and as well an overall band 7.
I would like to know what do you think about this essay, I tried to do it before I read yours, after reading the one for making juice. What band do you think it is worth for it? And is the grammar right? Thank you. Looking forward for you reply 🙂
The diagram given elaborates the step-by-step procedure of making ceramic pots.
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that the process consists of 13 steps, which can be organised into three main stages. These include the collection and transportation of raw materials, the processing method of the materials and finally giving the final touch by colouring the assembled pots.
The first step commences when raw materials are dug from the ground with a special machinery. Then, the material collected is transported to a factory where it is firstly crushed and subsequently it is mixed with water and next it is put in moulds where it is left to be dried for approximately 4 to 6 hours in order to give them the shape of a pot.
In the next stage, when the drying step is completed, the assembled clay pots are collected and heated in an oven at high temperatures (1000 degrees Celsius), before the pots are painted. Ultimately, the pots are finished after going through a colour firing process.
Ah good luck on your upcoming exam!
Good overview (don’t write final touch because that is informal – you can say the final stages).
Careful with articles (special machinery), first crushed, drying stage is completed.
It is close to band 7 but there is a lack of flexibility that might bring it a bit lower into the 6/6.5 range.
Thank you so much!
Fingers crossed 😀
I’m sure you’ll do well!
I have problem in making overview … could you help me to improve it please?
Really nice, thank You so much
You’re very welcome, Chika!