This sample answer is based on a real IELTS Writing Task 1 question from Jan 2018. But there is so much more in this post than just a sample answer. Aren’t you guys lucky? I’ve also included:

  • A quick analysis of the question – check here for more detailed analysis.

  • Line by line analysis of the sample answer.

  • Useful Vocabulary from the sample answer and links to practice games and exercises.

  • Cool topic-related links about all things orangey.

As well as our Task 1 sample answers, check out our Task 2 sample essays here: IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answers.

You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel for some IELTS Speaking Sample Answers: HowtodoIELTS YouTube.

Be sure to avoid the mistakes that most students make on writing by signing up for my exclusive IELTS Ebooks here on Patreon.

Dave

Question Analysis 

Looking at the diagram above, you can see the question focuses on how fresh and reconstituted orange juice is produced. An exciting topic!

If you need more help with analysing this process, check out my recent post on how to identify the kind of process, how to divide the process into its main stages, and how to recognise what is happening at every step.

I suggest making notes on the diagram in the exam, in order to number the steps and divide them logically into main stages. Your question paper should end up looking something like this:

Sample Answer

The diagram illustrates the linear process of producing fresh and concentrated orange juice for the purposes of selling in supermarkets. There are total of 17 steps which can be organised into three main stages. These include producing and delivering fresh orange juice to supermarkets, processing the fresh juice to create concentrated juice for storage, and finally producing reconstituted orange juice which is then sold to the general public.

The process commences with fresh oranges being delivered to a factory, where the raw product is washed and juice is extracted with excess solid waste being used as animal feed. At this point in the process the fresh juice is either delivered in refrigerated trucks for evaporation or packaged and transported to supermarkets for selling to customers. Evaporation is carried out at a separate facility, removing water and resulting in the production of concentrated orange juice, which is subsequently canned and stored in a warehouse. As required, the orange concentrate is then processed in a third and final plant, where it is mixed with water in order to produce reconstituted orange juice, which is then packaged and ultimately delivered to supermarkets.

Analysis 

Firstly, it’s important to note that this answer has clear paragraphing.

The first paragraph contains an introductory sentence and the overview. The second paragraph presents the detailed figures.

Although in IELTS Writing Task 1, paragraphing isn’t mentioned in the band descriptors below band 8, it is still a good idea to use paragraphs to organise your writing as it makes it more logical.

This helps the examiner to read your answer, and that is always a good thing!

Paragraph 1: Introduction and Overview

The diagram illustrates the linear process of producing fresh and concentrated orange juice for the purposes of selling in supermarkets. There are total of 17 steps which can be organised into three main stages. These include producing and delivering fresh orange juice to supermarkets, processing the fresh juice to create concentrated juice for storage, and finally producing reconstituted orange juice which is then sold to the general public.

  • The first sentence introduces the process, by paraphrasing (not copying) the question.

  • The second sentence begins the overview of the process by confirming the number of steps and main stages.

  • The third sentence completes the overview by summarising the whole process by identifying the three main stages. 

Paragraph 2: Detailed Figures

The process commences with fresh oranges being delivered to a factory, where the raw product is washed and juice is extracted with excess solid waste being used as animal feed. At this point in the process the fresh juice is either delivered in refrigerated trucks for evaporation or packaged and transported to supermarkets for selling to customers. Evaporation is carried out at a separate facility, removing water and resulting in the production of concentrated orange juice, which is subsequently canned and stored in a warehouse. As required, the orange concentrate is then processed in a third and final plant, where it is mixed with water in order to produce reconstituted orange juice, which is then packaged and ultimately delivered to supermarkets.

  • The first sentence begins the description of the detail of the process by describing the first six steps. 

  • The second sentence describes steps 7-10. 

  • The third sentence describes steps 11-14.

  • The fourth sentence completes the detailed description of the process by describing steps 15-17. No conclusion is required for Task 1 writing. 

Useful Vocabulary (see Quizlet link below for practice activities)

a diagram (n) –  a picture

illustrates (v) – shows

a linear process (n) – a process happening in a line

fresh (adj) – recently picked or prepared

concentrated (adj) – made stronger by removing water

purpose (n) – a reason for doing something

reconstituted (adj) – to add water to something

raw (adJ) – not cooked or processed

extraction (n) – to remove something

excess (n) – too much

solid waste (n) – leftover hard material (not a liquid or gas)

animal feed (n) – food for animals

evaporation (n) – remove water by heating

a facility (n) – a place with a special purpose

packaged (v) – to put in a packet or box for selling

transported (v) – to be moved from one place to another

delivered (v) – to be transported to the end user or customer

subsequently (adv) – after something else happened

a plant (n) – a factory

ultimately (adv) – finally

FREE Online Vocabulary Practice 

I’ve prepared some practice games and vocab exercises on Quizlet for these words taken from the sample answer. Quizlet is a really fun and convenient way to learn and practice vocab and it’s free!

Try it out, and use it whenever you have a spare few minutes.

If you need more help using Quizlet, check out this video lesson (starts from 34m36s).

Check out Quizlet for great online vocabulary activities for free!

Learn more about everything Orange! – Related Articles and Videos

Check out these links for fun and interesting videos and articles about all things orange!

Find out why Donald Trump is so orange.

Orange Juice’s Dirty Secret

How Orange Juice is Made

Cool Facts about Oranges

Health Benefits of Oranges

Unusual Uses of Orange

Why is Donald Trump’s Skin Orange?

Why do People Eat Oranges in the Shower?

Why do Dutch People Love the Colour Orange?

Recommended For You