Processes and maps
The two visuals without numbers: sequence, passive voice, and describing change in a place.
12 minutes · A free lesson from Writing
Processes show how something is made or how something works. Describe the stages in order, usually with the passive voice, and state in the overview how many stages there are and where the process begins and ends.
Maps show how a place has changed, or two possible sites for a building. Describe what was added, removed, replaced, extended or converted, and use locations precisely.
Useful language
Lesson quiz
Check what you have learned. Choose an answer to see whether it is right, and why.
Quick check: Which form is usual when you describe a process?
- The active, with “I”
- The passive: “the mixture is heated”
- The past continuous
Show the answer
B: The passive: “the mixture is heated” — The passive keeps the focus on what happens at each stage.
Quick check: What should a process overview say?
- The exact temperature at each stage
- Which stage you find most interesting
- How many stages there are, and where it begins and ends
Show the answer
C: How many stages there are, and where it begins and ends — For example: seven stages, from collecting raw clay to delivering finished bricks.
Quick check: A factory became apartments. Which sentence describes the change?
- The factory was converted into apartments.
- The factory converted apartments.
- The factory was demolished by apartments.
Show the answer
A: The factory was converted into apartments. — was converted into describes a change of use.
Quick check: Which phrase gives a location on a map?
- after that
- is heated
- to the north of the station
Show the answer
C: to the north of the station — Use locations precisely: to the north of, opposite, next to, in the south-east corner.