Home ›IELTS Writing Task 1 Topics › Diagram — Rainwater harvesting process
Academic Task 1 — diagram: Diagram — Rainwater harvesting process. This page gives the exam question and a band 9 model answer, with tips on selecting and comparing the key data. Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
The diagram below shows how rainwater is collected and used for domestic purposes.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
The diagram illustrates the process by which rainwater is collected, treated, stored and subsequently used for various domestic purposes.
Overall, rainwater undergoes a seven-stage process, beginning with its collection on the roof of a house and ending with its use within the home. Before being distributed for household activities, the water is filtered and stored in a tank. Any surplus water is safely discharged through an overflow system.
Initially, rainfall lands on the roof of the house and is channelled into a series of gutters positioned along the roof edges. The collected water then flows through downpipes to a filtration unit, where leaves, dirt and other debris are removed. Following this treatment stage, the filtered water is directed into a storage tank located beside the house.
Once stored, the rainwater remains in the tank until it is required for domestic use. When demand arises, a pump transfers the water from the storage facility into a distribution pipe connected to the house. The water is then supplied to a range of household applications.
As shown in the diagram, the harvested rainwater can be used for flushing toilets, operating washing machines, irrigating gardens and cleaning floors. These activities generally do not require drinking-quality water, making rainwater a suitable alternative source. Finally, if the storage tank reaches its capacity, excess water is released through an overflow pipe and discharged safely into a drain or garden area, thereby preventing flooding and maintaining the efficiency of the collection system.
In summary, the process converts rainfall into a practical domestic water supply through the stages of collection, filtration, storage, pumping and distribution, while also incorporating a mechanism to manage excess water.
Process diagrams: use passive voice and sequencing language (first, then, following this, finally). Divide into clear stages. Cycles need “beginning again” language; maps and processes differ — do not give opinions.
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