The diagram below shows how the Australian Bureau of Meteorology collects up-to-the-minute information on the weather in order to produce reliable forecasts.

Same questionCompare 4 different answers (Band 6.5–8)

Sample Response

1

The given figure illustrates the process used by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology to forecast the weather. The process can be divided into four main stagesThere are four stages in the process, beginning with the collection of information about the weather. This information is then analysed, prepared for presentation and finally broadcast to the public. In the collection and analysis stagesLooking at the first and second stages of the process, there are three ways of collecting weather data and three ways of analysing it. Firstly, incoming information can be received by satellite and converted into a satellite photo for analysispresented for analysis as a satellite photo. Radar data can also be passed to a radar stationThe same data can also be passed to a radar station and presented on a radar screen, while buoy data can be shown on a synoptic charton a radar screen or synoptic chart. In addition, drifting buoys receive dataFinally, drifting buoys also receive data which can be shown on a synoptic chart. In the third stage of the process, the weather broadcast is prepared on a computerprepared on computers. Finally, the forecast is deliveredFinally, it is delivered to the public on television, by radioon the radio or throughas a recorded telephone announcement.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.0

The response gives an accurate, logically sequenced account of the full forecasting process, clearly tracing the three information sources through preparation to the three broadcast channels. Its main limitation is that the analysis stage is compressed and some wording is repetitive. Prioritise separating collection from analysis more explicitly and showing how each input feeds its particular display before the forecast is prepared.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

8.0
Scoring rule

The response accurately summarises the process from data collection to analysis, preparation, and broadcasting. It identifies the three incoming data sources and the three final broadcast channels clearly.

Next step

To push higher, mention more explicitly that the satellite, radar, and buoy inputs feed different analysis displays before the forecast is prepared on computer.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

8.0
Scoring rule

The report is logically sequenced and easy to follow, with clear stage markers from the first stage to the final stage. Cohesion is effective, though the middle section is quite compressed.

Next step

Use a slightly clearer split between data collection and analysis so the three visual outputs are easier to follow.

LR

Lexical Resource

8.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is precise and appropriate for a process diagram, including collection, analysed, forecast, broadcast, and synoptic chart. Some repetition of data and stage language remains.

Next step

Vary wording with terms such as inputs, processed, forecast materials, and communication channels.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.0
Scoring rule

Grammar is accurate and controlled overall, with a good range of passive structures. Minor phrasing could be improved, but errors do not impede meaning.

Next step

Review article use and reduce occasional repetition in phrases such as three ways of.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

The diagram below shows how the Australian Bureau of Meteorology collects up-to-the-minute information on the weather in order to produce reliable forecasts.

Your response

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20:00

Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.