IELTS Writing Task 1: How Drinking Water Is Treated
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Writing Prompt
The diagram below illustrates the process by which river water is treated to make it safe for drinking. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The process is linear and consists of six stages. First, water is pumped from a river into a large intake tank, where a metal screen removes leaves, litter and other large objects. The water then flows into a settling tank, in which sand and heavy particles sink to the bottom and are taken away. Next, the water passes through beds of fine sand and gravel that filter out smaller impurities. After filtering, chlorine is added to the water to kill any remaining bacteria. The treated water is then stored in a covered reservoir before finally being pumped through underground pipes to homes and businesses.
Show Band 8–9 model answer
The diagram shows a six-stage, linear process for treating river water so that it is safe to drink.
Overall, raw river water undergoes a series of mechanical and chemical treatments, beginning with the removal of large debris and ending with the distribution of purified water through an underground pipe network.
The process starts when river water is pumped into a large intake tank. Here, a metal screen traps bulky contaminants such as leaves, litter and other sizeable objects. The partially cleaned water then enters a settling tank, where sand and heavier particles gradually sink to the bottom and are removed from the system.
In the next stage, the water is directed through beds of fine sand and gravel. This filtration phase eliminates smaller suspended impurities that were not separated in the settling tank, resulting in much clearer water. Once filtration is complete, chlorine is added. This chemical treatment is designed to kill any remaining bacteria and other microorganisms that could pose health risks.
After chlorination, the now potable water is transferred to a covered reservoir, which protects it from recontamination by dust or animals. In the final stage, this treated water is pumped via underground pipes and supplied to homes and businesses for domestic and commercial use.
Why this response works
This response would attract a high band because it provides a clear overview highlighting both the sequence and purpose of the process. All six stages are accurately described, with no invented details, and the response follows the logical order of the diagram. Key comparisons are made between mechanical removal of solids and later chemical disinfection. The language is varied and precise (e.g. “bulky contaminants”, “filtration phase”, “potable”), cohesion is strong, and grammatical control is consistently accurate with a wide range of complex structures.
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