IELTS Writing Task 1 #117
Test Tip
For IELTS Task 1 you may have to describe a physical process. This may be illustrated in the form of a diagram showing the different steps or stages in the process.
Using the present simple passive forms of verbs relevant to the process is the key to getting a high score for process diagram. The examiner will give you a mark for Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and correctly using the passive will impress the examiner
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
The diagram below shows the production of electricity using a system called Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC).
Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information below.
Write at least 150 words.
How Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) works
Source: Daily Telegraph - 8th Jan 2008
Model answer
Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a system that converts heat energy into the electric power using the temperature difference between surface seawater, which can be up to 29 degrees Celsius, and deep seawater, which is only 5 degrees Celsius.
The main components of the system are an evacuated evaporation chamber, a turbine and a condensing chamber. The solar energy of the sun heats up the surface water and this warm water is introduced into the evacuated evaporation chamber, where it boils. As it boils, salt is deposited and water vapour is generated. This vapour then drives a turbine to generate electricity. After it powers the turbine, the water vapour enters the condensing chamber, which is cooled by the water from the depths of the ocean. The water vapour is condensed in this chamber, producing drinking water. Meanwhile, waste salt water is discharged into the ocean and the process can be repeated.
(152 words)