Dr. N.G.P.
Institute of Technology - Coimbatore-
48
(An Autonomous Institution)
UNIT I - PROCESS DESCRIPTION
BY
Dr. Brinda, AP/ENG
Dr. NGP iTECH
A process description is a detailed account or
explanation of a particular sequence of actions
or steps involved in completing a task,
achieving a goal, or executing a procedure. It
typically outlines the key components, steps,
inputs, outputs, and any dependencies or
conditions necessary for the successful
execution of the process.
Process descriptions are commonly used in various fields such as
manufacturing, engineering, software development, business operations, and
research. They serve several purposes including:
Clarity: They provide a clear understanding of how a task or operation should
be carried out, reducing ambiguity and misinterpretation.
Standardization: Process descriptions help establish standardized procedures
for consistent performance and quality across different instances or individuals
executing the process.
Training: They serve as valuable training materials for new employees or individuals unfamiliar with the process, guiding them through each step in a structured
manner.
Troubleshooting: When issues arise, process descriptions can be referenced to identify potential bottlenecks or errors in execution, facilitating problem-solving and
improvement efforts.
Process descriptions can be presented in various formats including written
documents, flowcharts, diagrams, or standard operating procedures (SOPs).
This lesson will take you through 5 key steps of
describing a process:
1. Introduction
2. Use only the Present Simple Tense
3. Link with sequencers and reference words
4. Writing Overview
5. Elaboration techniques & Use of Diction
The diagram shows the stages involved in the process of making leather goods.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make
comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words
Step 1 : Introduction
❖ An introduction to the process description should answer the
following questions:
● What does the given diagram represent ?
● What is the usage of the process represented?
Using the Passive Tense gives you an instantly sophisticated, complex
and academic option.
e.g. The diagram illustrates how animal skins are processed in order to
produce a range of leather items such as shoes, handbags and toys.
Step 2: Use the Present Simple
● Use the verbs in the diagram to describe each stage e.g. drying,
soaking, polishing, flattening.
● avoid using these words exactly as they are in the text.
● using the Present Simple (Passive) Tense.
The only thing you have to worry about is whether you need
Singular or Plural. Both are possible here and both are correct.
e.g. The skins ARE dried OR The skin IS dried. The skins ARE
polished OR The leather IS polished.
Activity: Compare these two versions
Version 1: simple, accurate but a little ‘mechanical’
The skin is dried. Then it is taken to a factory. In the factory it is washed in water and
lime, then soaked in lime and flattened and submerged in tannin. After that it is
polished and taken to another factory. In the factory it is turned into leather goods.
Version 2: More fluent and natural
In the initial stages of the process, the skin is dried before being taken to a factory
where it undergoes two treatments. Firstly it is washed with water and lime, followed
by a soak in lime and then flattened, after which it is submerged in tannin.
The last stage involves polishing the leather with a roller. The pieces are
subsequently transported to a processing factory where they are made into a
number of items in preparation for shipping
Step 3: Use a variety of linking words
Linking words, also known as discourse markers, connecting words, or
transition words, are particular words and phrases you can use to connect
your ideas and sentences while writing or speaking. You can use linking words
for
● giving examples,
● adding information,
● summarising,
● giving a reason, and contrasting ideas.
● Linkers can also help candidates put forth their opinion comprehensively
and display a greater knowledge and variety of vocabulary.
Step 3: Use a variety of linking words
2. Linking Phrases 3. Time Expressions
1. Contrast Words
In addition in the year 2000
In contrast Furthermore at the end/beginning of
the period
However Overall, it could be seen
that over/throughout/during
the period in question
whereas/whileAccording to the data
by 2000
It is clear that
On the other hand between 1998 and 2000
Step 3: Use a variety of linking words
4. The Last Paragraph 5. Describing A Process 6. Describing A Map
To conclude After this, It is clear that the principal
change was
To sum up Next,
According to the map,
The first step is that
One more striking change
Following this
is
Firstly, Secondly, Finally
Another notable
The following step is that, development was
The next step is that
At the first stage
Step 3: Use a variety of linking words
● Do not just put the linking words at the start of the sentence.
● sounds repetitive,
● it is important not to OVERUSE linking words.
● Don’t choose a different linking word for the start of every
sentence. Use some in the middle
e.g. the process by which leather is treated, the liquid in which
the skins are soaked, the place where the skins are flattened.
I Step 4: Write the overview
● Avoid repetition e.g. ‘Overall, the diagram shows that many items can be made
from leather.’
● Should not be too obvious, too vague and there is no analysis.
● say something noticeable about the process.
Here are some examples:
Overall, the diagram shows that it is necessary for animal skins to undergo a number of
treatments before they can be made into everyday household items. The process is still a
complex and lengthy one despite being mostly done by machinery rather than by hand.
Overall, the diagram shows that, despite the fact that the process of treating animal
skins so that they can be made into everyday household items is done mostly in factories
with the help of machinery, it is still lengthy and complex, involving several stages.
FINAL VERSION: (with diction)
The diagram illustrates how animal skins are processed in order to produce a range of leather
items such as shoes, handbags and toys.
In the initial stages of the process, the skin is air-dried before being loaded onto trucks and
taken to a nearby factory where it undergoes two chemical treatments to clean and soften it.
Firstly it is washed with a mixture of water and lime, and then it is soaked in concentrated/pure
lime and pushed through a rolling machine in order to flatten it, after which it is submerged in
a vat of tannin, which is a substance derived from vegetables.
The last stage involves polishing the leather with a roller to improve its appearance. The pieces
are subsequently transported by road to a processing factory where they are made into a number
of everyday products like footwear and sports items in preparation for shipping.
Overall, the diagram shows that, despite the fact that the process of treating animal skins is done
mostly in factories with the help of machinery, it is still lengthy and complex, involving several
stages.
Elaboration tips
You can:
● say WHY something is done (in order to.., so that…) (to soften the
leather, to remove impurities)
● give extra details (transported by road, which is a substance, a mixture
of)
● give more examples (like footwear and sports items)
● add adjectives (air-dried, everyday products, a nearby factory)
Although you should not use your opinion, adding small details like this can boost
your Vocabulary score
ANY QUERIES?
THANK YOU