The diagram below shows how smoked fish is manufactured.

Read the sample process diagram answer on the topic: The diagram below shows how smoked fish is manufactured. This is a real IELTS exam Writing Task 1 question that came in the test on 20 August 2026. Read the samples of different band score for improvement in your score.

Quick Links: 6 Band Sample, 6.5 Band Sample

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The diagram below shows how smoked fish is manufactured.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

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Band Score: 6.0 Bands

The diagram illustrates how cured fish is produced.

It is clear from the figure that there are eight stages in total, initiating from raw fish receival to the storage and distribution.

Firstly, the raw fish is received at the warehouse. Secondly, the fish is transferred for washing and cleaning thoroughly. Then the fish is put into a steel pot and three percent of salt is added in it. After this, fish is transferred to the cold room where it is cured and dried at 3 degrees Celsius for almost two to three hours. Once dried, they are placed inside a kiln where wood is used to produce heat and then the kiln started to hot smoke the fish at 65 to 110 degrees Celsius. At this stage, the fish is hanged to cool before packaging. Afterward, they are transferred to a storage and distribution center for the delivery.

To conclude, the diagram displays the production of cured fish with eight total steps initiating from raw fish receiving to the storage and distribution of the smoked fish.

Written by an IELTS Candidate

Band Score Analysis (6.0):

• There is no issue in the introduction.
• The overview should start with the word ‘overall’.
• There are some grammar issues [punctuation and word order]
• There are some grammatical errors, mainly of subject-verb agreement and punctuation.
• The student wrote the conclusion to meet the minimum word count, which is acceptable.
• There is a sufficient use of cohesive devices.
• The wrong subject is being used [they]
• Some information is missing [hardwood]

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Band Score: 6.5 Bands

The diagram illustrates the manufacturing process of smoked fish.

Overall, it is a linear process with eight stages, starting from receival of raw fish to the storage and distribution of finished smoked fish.

Firstly, the raw fish is received in small boxes, which is then cleaned and washed with water. After this, the cleaned fish is added to a tub with 3% salt. The salted fish is then cured and dried under 3C for 2-4 hours. Then, in the next stage, the smoke is prepared by burning hardwood. The fish is then placed in a smoking chamber where it is smoked at a hot temperature of 65 to 110 celcius. The smoked fish is then cooled down and packaged in different packaging sizes. Finally, the packaged fish is stored in cold storage and distributed via trucks to be delivered to the customers.

To conclude, the smoked fish is prepared in eight different stages, starting from receiving of raw fish to the storage and delivery of packaged smoked fish via trucks.

Written by an IELTS Candidate

Band Score Analysis (6.5):

• The student has paraphrased the question statement by changing the word form and order that is acceptable.
• There are no informal words or words not related to the task.
• There is a good use of linking words that improves the cohesion score.
• There are no major grammar mistakes.
• The student has included the conclusion as well, which is acceptable to fulfill the minimum word count.

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Read this article for more tips on the IELTS writing task 1 process diagram type question.