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Task 1: Process and Map Trainer Level 1 (Writing)

A compact trainer for Writing Task 1 processes and maps. Learn a fast method to plan, write, and check reports with simple templates, timing, and phrase banks. You will map stages, describe changes, choose the right tense, and build a clear overview without opinions. Use the Level 1 drills to practice in short bursts and finish with a two minute checklist for accuracy and coherence.

3 Minute Read
Last Updated 3 months ago

Module A. What markers expect

  • Clear overview of the whole process or the main changes on the map
  • Accurate sequence or spatial description
  • Grouped details, not a list of tiny points
  • Precise language, correct tense and passive forms where needed
  • Logical paragraphing and cohesive links

Module B. Process Playbook

Goal: describe how something is made or how a cycle works.

Timing

  • 45 seconds skim and sketch stages
  • 3 minutes write intro and overview
  • 10 minutes details by stage groups
  • 1 minute check

Mini template

  1. Intro: The diagram shows how X is produced / how the Y cycle operates.
  2. Overview: Overall, the process has N stages, beginning with A and ending with B.
  3. Details 1: Stages 1 to K with key actions and inputs.
  4. Details 2: Stages K+1 to N and the final output.

Phrase bank

  • Begins with, followed by, then, after that, subsequently, meanwhile, finally
  • Is heated, is mixed, is filtered, is stored, is transported
  • Liquid, vapor, paste, raw material, output, by product

Grammar focus

  • Use present simple passive for man made steps: The mixture is heated.
  • Use present simple active for natural cycles: Water evaporates, clouds form.
  • No numbers unless shown. No reasons or opinions.

Level 1 outline example

  • Overview: Six steps start with raw cocoa and end with chocolate bars.
  • Details 1: Beans are harvested, fermented, and dried.
  • Details 2: Dried beans are roasted, ground into liquor, then molded to bars.

Module C. Map Playbook

Goal: report location changes between two maps or describe layout.

Timing

  • 45 seconds scan legends, directions, and period
  • 3 minutes intro and overview
  • 10 minutes grouped changes
  • 1 minute check

Mini template

  1. Intro: The maps compare X in year A and year B.
  2. Overview: Overall, the area became more residential, with new transport links and fewer open spaces.
  3. Details 1: Changes in the north or west side with landmarks.
  4. Details 2: Changes in the south or east side plus access routes.

Spatial and change language

  • To the north, on the eastern edge, in the center, along the river
  • Replaced by, converted to, removed, expanded, added, relocated
  • Path, roundabout, car park, housing estate, leisure center, footbridge

Tense rules

  • Use past for dated changes. Use present for current layouts.

Level 1 outline example

  • Overview: The village became a small town with new roads and housing, while farmland disappeared.
  • Details 1: The northern field was replaced by a housing estate and a primary school.
  • Details 2: A ring road and car park were added in the south, and the footpath was removed.

Module D. Quick Planner Cards

Process card

  • Count stages
  • Mark inputs, tools, outputs
  • Group steps: preparation, transformation, finishing

Map card

  • List three biggest changes
  • Note directions and anchors
  • Group by zones or functions

Module E. Cohesion Boosters

  • Sequencing: first, next, subsequently, in the following stage, finally
  • Contrast or change: in contrast, whereas, was replaced by, gave way to
  • Location: adjacent to, opposite, at the corner of, across from

Module F. Common mistakes to avoid

  • Writing reasons or advantages
  • Copying labels word for word
  • Describing every tiny arrow
  • Mixing tenses
  • Missing the overview

Module G. Level 1 Drills

5 minute process drill

  1. Write a two sentence overview naming start and end.
  2. List three stage groups.
  3. Turn three active verbs into passive sentences.

5 minute map drill

  1. Mark north, south, east, west.
  2. Write a two sentence overview with one function change and one access change.
  3. Write three sentences using replaced by, added, removed.

Module H. Ready to use frames

  • Process intro: The diagram shows the steps involved in producing X.
  • Process overview: Overall, there are N stages beginning with A and ending with B.
  • Map intro: The maps illustrate changes in X between YEAR 1 and YEAR 2.
  • Map overview: Overall, the area became more developed, with new facilities and altered transport links.

Module I. Two minute final check

  • Overview present and clear
  • Correct tense and passive where needed
  • Logical groups instead of lists
  • Accurate labels and directions
  • 160 to 190 words, no opinions

Practice these steps for one week with short drills. Your Task 1 processes and maps will become faster, clearer, and more accurate.