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.
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
- Intro: The diagram shows how X is produced / how the Y cycle operates.
- Overview: Overall, the process has N stages, beginning with A and ending with B.
- Details 1: Stages 1 to K with key actions and inputs.
- 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
- Intro: The maps compare X in year A and year B.
- Overview: Overall, the area became more residential, with new transport links and fewer open spaces.
- Details 1: Changes in the north or west side with landmarks.
- 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
- Write a two sentence overview naming start and end.
- List three stage groups.
- Turn three active verbs into passive sentences.
5 minute map drill
- Mark north, south, east, west.
- Write a two sentence overview with one function change and one access change.
- 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.