In the Academic IELTS Writing Task 1, different kinds of diagrams can be given. In this post, I’m discussing a very common cycle diagram, known as water cycle or water table. I’ve provided some strategies and the best model or sample answer with the picture so that you can have a good understanding of this diagram. Some vocabularies have also been explained in this post.

The title of the question:

The diagram shows how water moves on, above and below the earth’s surface.

Strategies to write the answer:

Candidates must always remember the following things when writing the answer to a task 1 cycle diagram.

• The tense structure will be present indefinite tense.
• A cycle diagram is an ongoing or non-stop process. You can use this information as a general or overall trend.
• Your writing must contain a solid introduction (possibly with an overview) and a clear body where the details of the picture are given. You can include a conclusive statement, but it is not compulsory. 
• Divide your writing into different segments so that it becomes easy for you to target every important point to write on.
• Always use the clues given as text in the picture and make short sentences in your brain which you may write as the details of the picture.
• Don’t panic if you cannot write the details at first. Take help from this model answer below. Write continuously and get your answers checked by an expert on a regular basis.
• Take a close look at the vocabulary used in this model answer. It should be helpful for you if you want to practice more cycle diagrams.

Model answer:

The illustrated diagram is a clear presentation of the movement of water on, above and below the surface of the earth, which is commonly known as the water cycle. Overall, the movement of water is an ongoing process. 

As it is observed in the diagram, the primary sources of water here are rivers and lakes where sun rays create the reaction named evaporation. This evaporated water is responsible for cloud formation. Trees on the earth transpire water vapor and supplies the vapor to the earth’s atmosphere. The clouds become dense and when they travel from one place to another, they become condensed and collide with each other; and thus precipitation occurs. Thus, water comes down from higher grounds to the lower as surface runoff water and fills up the springs, lakes and rivers. Some of the water infiltrates the earth and goes down to the underground water level. Some water is absorbed by tree roots. Drinking water is also extracted from groundwater level through wells. Then, the water from rivers and underground water travel back to the rivers.

In this way, water moves round the earth.

Word count: 186

Bonus tips:

The languages for writing an answer to a diagram are quite different from other Task 1 topics. You need to focus on the words which differentiate between diagrams and other Task 1 answers. You should also pay attention to different sentence patterns. Practice them well.

Here are some other diagrams that you can practice:

Flow-chart on sweater manufacturing

Process diagram on olive oil production

Flow-chart on writing a story

Two maps showing changes in an industrial village

Two maps showing changes in a town

Life cycle diagram on tuna fish

Life cycle diagram on silkworm moth

Diagram on water contamination

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