PROCESS

I. Major types of diagrams

There are two major types of diagrams, categorized based on their purposes:
○ Processes: Describe steps and stages to reach a final result. These
normally include:
■ Manufacture process: how to make an object, how to create a
final product
■ Operation process: how a system works
■ Development process: how a creature develops or how a
phenomenon appears
○ Structures: Describe components and organizations of something, such
as:
■ Blueprints: the design of a machine, building or tool
■ Anatomy: the body structure of a creature
● Processes are often much easier to deal with, as you mainly need to follow the
steps. Meanwhile, for Structures, you need to point out special features and
components, which seems to be the issue for many writers.
II. General approaches for analysis:
○ Introduction: What the diagrams describe
○ Overview:
■ Processes:
■ How many steps (estimation)
■ The first step and the last step (or final product)
■ Tools or personnel involved
■ Structures:
■ How many components (estimation)
■ Major characteristics or components
○ Analysis:
■ Processes:
■ Follow each step in the procedures
■ In each step, mention the time/place/tools and other
important factors
■ Structures:
■ Break the diagrams into small sections and analyze each
section
■ Focus on features such as: size (length, height, width,
weight, volume), appearance (shape, color, pattern)
 ■ Mention the usage or function of the components
○ Conclusion (optional – mostly for processes)
■ What happens at the end of the process? (final product, repetition
of the cycle…)
III. Suggested languages
1. Language for introductions:
a. Processes:
- Development process

- Manufacture process

- Operation process:

b. Structures:
 2. Language for the overview:
○ Processes:

There are about + number + main There are about nine steps in the whole process,
steps/stages/phases in the whole process, starting with the planting of cocoa trees and
starting with + Step 1 + and culminating ending with the production of chocolate.
in/ending with + Last step. (*)

The process is a combination of + number + The process is a combination of three main

main phases, which requires the involvement phases, which require the involvement of both
of + tools/people human labor and automated machinery.

The system is a closed cycle, with the The system is a closed cycle, with the integral
integral components being + components components being a dam, a structure known as
the powerhouse, and a power line that carries
the electricity to users.

The whole cycle lasts about + time, consisting The whole cycle lasts about three weeks,
of + number + stages, with the final product consisting of seven stages, with the final result
being + result. being a fully matured bee.

The typical life cycle lasts between + time, in The typical life cycle lasts between two or three
which + creatures/phenomena + begin(s) its weeks, in which the bee begins its existence in
existence in the form of + first stage + before the form of eggs before reaching its final stage
reaching its final stage as + final form. as a fully matured adult.

(*): In some cases, you can highlight the main step in the middle of the process in the
overview section. Normally, we would say the middle step is the step where the source
material is changed, perhaps in appearance or materially. However,
Ex: The diagram below shows how a biofuel called ethanol is produced.

Overview: Overall, there are nine steps in

sequence, starting with energy be absorbed by
vegetation, followed by the conversion of
energy into cellulose, and end with produced
ethanol being used by various types of vehicles

Here, the source material is the tree, and it is converted into cellulose, so this step will
be added to the overview.
 ○ Structures:

The + objects + is/are + made up of + number The system is made up of three integral
+ major parts/components. components, namely the dam, the powerhouse,
and the power line.

The most prominent feature of + object + is The most prominent feature of the ladybug is its
its/their + outstanding feature or component. spotted hide, which covers most of its lower
body.

The chief differences between + objects + are The chief differences between the three types of
their + main features. bridges are their size and the supporting
structures.

3. Language for analysis:

a. Important action verbs:
● Processes
In many processes, you will need to use the passive voice to describe an action.
In most cases, the verb is already given to you. However, you may sometimes
want to paraphrase these verbs. You can consider some common words such
as:
● Collect, obtain, acquire, harvest (for agricultural products), mine/dig-dug-
dug (or underground items)
● Clean = wash
● Treat = process: sort, filter, ferment
● Keep = Store = Archive
● Deliver = Transport = Ship
● Sell = Distribute
● Structures and anatomy:
○ Components + Make up
○ Consist of = Contain = Be made up of + components
b. Time phrases for processes:
To move from one step to another, make sure to use time phrases such as:
○ To begin, In the first step, First of all, To commence
○ Next, Then, After that, Subsequently, In the next stage, Following this,
○ Once this is done, In the subsequent stage, After this stage
○ The next/subsequent step involves + Ving/N
○ Finally, In the final stage, In the last step, Lastly
c. Describing appearance:
○ Outer appearance = exterior
○ Smooth >< Rough/Ragged
○ Triangular shape/Rectangular shape
○ Pointy/Round/Curved
○ Striped/Spotted/Plain
Sample 1: The diagram illustrates the process that is used to manufacture
bricks for the building industry.

The diagram explains how bricks are manufactured for industrial uses.

Overall, there are about 8 steps in the process, starting with digging up the clay and
ending with transporting the bricks to intended destinations.

To begin, the clay used to make the bricks is acquired from the ground using a large
machine called the digger. This material is then placed onto a metal grid, which is
used to break the clay into smaller pieces. The refined clay will fall onto a roller
underneath. Following this, sand and water are added, and this mixture is turned into
bricks by either placing it into a mold or using a wire cutter. Next, these bricks are
transferred to an oven to fry for two to four days.

In the subsequent stage, the bricks go through a heating and cooling process. They
are heated in a kiln at a moderate then high temperature (ranging from 200 degrees
to 1300 degrees Celsius), followed by a cooling process in a chamber. After two to
three days of cooling, the bricks are packed and delivered to building sites or stores,
which marks the end of the process.
Sample 2: The diagram below shows how a biofuel called ethanol is
produced.

The illustration demonstrates the cycle of manufacturing ethanol.

Overall, there are nine steps in sequence, starting with energy be absorbed by vegetation,
followed by the conversion of energy into cellulose, and end with produced ethanol being
used by various types of vehicles.

The first four steps involve the transformation of the raw substance. Initially, plants and trees
absorb energy which includes sunlight and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. After this,
grown vegetation is harvested by agricultural machinery and conveyed into a chipping
machine. Subsequently, cellulose is extracted, ready for the next stage.

The remaining steps produce a biofuel called ethanol. The collected amount of cellulose
undergoes a chemical process to create sugars. In the following step, the sugars are
combined with microbes, resulting in ethanol, which is utilized to power vehicles including
cars, lorries and aircrafts. These vehicles in turn release carbon dioxide into the air as the
ethanol combusts in their powertrain, which is absorbed by plants and trees, renewing the
cycle.
Sample 3: The diagram shows how electricity is generated by a
hydroelectric dam.

The diagram illustrates the operation of a hydroelectric dam to generate power.

In general, the system is made up of three integral components, namely the dam, a structure
called the powerhouse and the lines that carry power to users.

First of all, a high wall is constructed to help create a reservoir that holds water. An intake
serves as a gate that prevents water from flowing downward. When this gate is open, the
water is then pulled into the river through a pipe-like structure called the penstock. Another
vital component of the dam is the powerhouse, which is a large building with thick walls that
houses the generator. While moving downstream, the water strikes and turns the turbine,
which allows the generator to create electricity.

Once the power is generated, the transferring process begins. The power lines can carry the
electricity from the dam over a long distance. The electricity will be brought to its intended
destination for consumption, which is also the last stage in the process.