As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve guided countless students toward success in their IELTS Writing exams. One common question I encounter is how to tackle process diagrams, specifically those depicting “how chocolate is made.” This article delves into understanding and describing this popular IELTS Writing Task 1 theme, providing you with the tools and strategies needed to craft a band-scoring response.
Understanding the Task: “How Chocolate is Made”
In the IELTS Writing Task 1, you may encounter a diagram illustrating the chocolate-making process. This process, from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, involves several stages. Your task is to accurately and effectively describe this process in your own words, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
Deconstructing the Chocolate-Making Process
A typical “how chocolate is made” diagram might include the following steps:
- Harvesting: Cocoa pods are harvested from cacao trees.
- Fermentation: The beans inside the pods are removed and fermented.
- Drying: Fermented beans are spread out to dry, often under the sun.
- Roasting: Dried beans are roasted to develop flavor.
- Grinding: Roasted beans are ground into a paste called chocolate liquor.
- Pressing: Chocolate liquor is pressed to separate cocoa butter from cocoa solids.
- Conching: Cocoa solids are further ground and mixed with sugar and other ingredients.
- Tempering: The chocolate is heated, cooled, and reheated to achieve the desired texture.
- Molding and Packaging: Tempered chocolate is poured into molds, cooled, and then packaged.
Crafting Your Response: Key Strategies
1. Paraphrase and Overview
Begin by paraphrasing the task. For example, instead of writing, “The diagram illustrates the process of making chocolate,” you could write, “The illustration provides a step-by-step overview of how chocolate is produced.” Follow this with an overview sentence summarizing the main stages, highlighting the journey from raw ingredient to finished product.
2. Use Sequencing Words and Passive Voice
Employ sequencing words to logically connect each stage. Words like “firstly,” “subsequently,” “following this,” “afterwards,” and “finally” help create a clear and coherent flow.
Since the process is usually mechanical or natural, utilize the passive voice (“The beans are roasted” instead of “Someone roasts the beans”).
3. Vocabulary Enhancement
Incorporate specific vocabulary related to manufacturing and food production:
- Harvesting: gathered, collected
- Fermentation: a natural process, undergoes fermentation
- Drying: dehydrated, moisture is removed
- Roasting: heated, roasted at high temperatures
- Grinding: crushed, ground into a fine paste
- Pressing: extracted, separated under pressure
- Mixing: combined, blended together
4. Example Description
“Initially, cocoa pods are harvested from the trees and the beans are removed. These beans then undergo a fermentation process before being spread out to dry, typically under the sun. Following this, the dried beans are roasted at high temperatures, which helps to develop their characteristic chocolate flavor. The roasted beans are then ground into a paste known as chocolate liquor.”
Practice and Feedback: The Path to Mastery
The key to excelling in IELTS Writing Task 1 is consistent practice. Analyze sample process diagrams, write your own responses, and seek feedback from experienced IELTS instructors. Focus on accuracy, clarity, and the appropriate use of grammar and vocabulary. By mastering these elements, you’ll be well-prepared to achieve your desired IELTS score.