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IELTS Writing Task 1: Natural Process Essay Worksheet (Life Cycle of the
Monarch Butterfly)

Part 1: Task Explanation

Task 1 Overview: In IELTS Writing Task 1, for a process diagram, you need to
describe each stage of the process in a logical sequence. In this case, the diagram
shows the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly from an egg to an adult butterfly,
covering a period of approximately six to ten weeks.
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Key Points:

● Focus on sequence: Describe each stage in the correct order.

● Use passive voice where possible to maintain formality.
● Avoid unnecessary details: Keep descriptions concise, focusing on the main
steps in the cycle.

Part 2: Strategy on How to Write

Step-by-Step Strategy:

1. Introduction and Overview:

○ You can choose to combine the introduction and overview in one sentence
or keep them separate.
■ Combined: This approach involves introducing the topic and
providing an overview in the same sentence, which can make the
response more concise.
■ Separate: The introduction paraphrases the task description, while
the overview provides a summary of the main stages of the
process.
2. Body Paragraphs (Stage Descriptions):
○ Body Paragraph 1: Describe the initial stages (egg and caterpillar).
○ Body Paragraph 2: Describe the later stages (chrysalis and butterfly).
○ Focus on key details for each stage (e.g., time duration, changes in form,
behavior).

Part 3: Suggested Structure for Writing

1. Introduction and Overview:

○ Example (Combined): "The diagram illustrates the different stages in the
life cycle of a Monarch butterfly, demonstrating how it transforms from an
egg to a fully grown butterfly over a period of six to ten weeks."
○ Example (Separate):
■ Introduction: "The diagram illustrates the different stages in the life
cycle of a Monarch butterfly."
■ Overview: "Overall, the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly consists
of four main stages: from an egg to a caterpillar, to a chrysalis, and
finally to an adult butterfly."
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2. Body Paragraph 1 (Initial Stages):

○ Describe the egg stage: where the egg is laid, the plant involved
(milkweed), and the hatching time.
○ Describe the caterpillar stage: feeding process, growth, duration, and
size changes.
3. Body Paragraph 2 (Later Stages):
○ Describe the chrysalis stage: formation, duration, and position.
○ Describe the adult butterfly stage: appearance, life span, feeding habits,
and cycle restart.

Part 4: Useful Vocabulary for Writing

Here are some useful vocabulary words and phrases to help describe the stages in a
natural process. Each word or phrase is followed by an example sentence.

Stages of Development:

● Begins as
Example: The Monarch butterfly begins as an egg, which is laid on the leaves of
the milkweed plant.
● Hatches into
Example: After four to seven days, the egg hatches into a caterpillar.
● Feeds on
Example: The caterpillar feeds on the leaves of the milkweed plant.
● Forms into
Example: The caterpillar forms into a chrysalis and attaches to a branch.
● Transforms into
Example: By the end of the chrysalis stage, the caterpillar transforms into a
butterfly.

Descriptive Language for Stages:

● Emerges from
Example: The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis.
● Attaches to
Example: The chrysalis attaches itself to a branch.
● Life span
Example: The butterfly has a life span of only two to four weeks.
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Part 5: Useful Grammar Points for Describing a Process

1. Passive Voice

The passive voice is commonly used in process descriptions, as it focuses on the action
rather than who is performing it.

● Example from sample:

The egg is laid on the leaves of the milkweed plant.
Explanation:
Passive voice here emphasizes the action (the egg being laid) over who
performs it. Use to be + past participle to form passive sentences.

2. Sequencing Language

Use words and phrases to show the sequence of steps, such as first, next, then, after
that, finally.

● Example:
First, the egg hatches into a caterpillar. Next, the caterpillar feeds on leaves for
two to three weeks.

3. Complex Sentences with Conjunctions

Use conjunctions like while, as, when to create complex sentences that link stages
together.

● Example:
As the caterpillar grows, it sheds its skin several times before forming a chrysalis.

Part 6: Sample Answer with Sentence Function Breakdown

Essay Question:

The diagram shows the life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. Summarise the information
by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Sample Answer:
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The diagram shows the different stages in the life cycle of one species of butterfly.
Overall, there are four main stages in the life of this insect, which transforms from an
egg to a caterpillar and ultimately a butterfly over a period of approximately six to ten
weeks.

Explanation:

● Function: This is the introduction and overview combined in one sentence. It

paraphrases the diagram prompt and provides a summary of the stages and
timeframe of the process.
● Note: Students can also separate the introduction and overview if they prefer, as
demonstrated in the structure section.

The Monarch butterfly begins life as an egg, which is laid on the leaves of the milkweed
plant. After four to seven days, the egg hatches and a small caterpillar emerges. The
caterpillar feeds on the leaves of the plant for up to three weeks, growing bigger in size.
Once it has reached approximately two centimeters in length, the caterpillar forms into a
chrysalis and attaches itself to a branch. It remains in this state for one to two weeks.

Explanation:

● Function: This is the first body paragraph describing the initial stages.
○ Sentence 1 (Main Idea): Introduces the egg stage and where it is laid.
○ Sentence 2 (Detail): Mentions the hatching time and emergence of the
caterpillar.
○ Sentence 3 (Explanation): Describes the caterpillar's feeding habits and
growth.
○ Sentence 4 (Transition): Explains the chrysalis formation and attachment
to a branch.
○ Sentence 5 (Duration): Gives the time period for the chrysalis stage.

By the end of the chrysalis stage, the caterpillar has transformed into a butterfly. The
adult insect has a wing-span of seven to ten centimetres and is much more colourful in
appearance. It can now fly in search of food, and feeds on nectar found in flowering
plants. With a life span of only two to four weeks, it eventually seeks out a milkweed
plant to lay the eggs of the next generation, and the cycle begins again.

Explanation:
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● Function: This is the second body paragraph describing the later stages.
○ Sentence 1 (Main Idea): Explains the transformation into a butterfly.
○ Sentence 2 (Detail): Describes the butterfly's physical features (wingspan
and color).
○ Sentence 3 (Function): Describes the butterfly's movement and feeding
habits.
○ Sentence 4 (Duration and Cycle): Mentions the butterfly's life span and
the cycle restart.

Part 7: Writing Task for Students

Now that you've reviewed the vocabulary, grammar, and ideas from the sample essay,
it's time to write your own response to a similar natural process.

Essay Topic:

Describe the life cycle of a frog, from egg to adult.

Use the vocabulary, grammar, and structure from the worksheet to write a
well-organized essay on the frog’s life cycle.
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Part 8: Suggested Plan for the Essay

1. Introduction and Overview:

○ Paraphrase the topic.
○ Summarize the process in one sentence or keep the introduction and
overview separate.
2. Body Paragraph 1: Early Stages:
○ Describe the initial stages (egg, tadpole).
○ Mention time duration and any specific characteristics (e.g., feeding,
growth).
3. Body Paragraph 2: Later Stages:
○ Describe the final stages (tadpole with legs, adult frog).
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○ Explain how the transformation occurs and what happens in each stage.

Part 9: Self-Reflection Questions

Questions for Self-Assessment:

1. Did I clearly paraphrase the process description in my introduction?

2. Does my overview capture the main stages of the life cycle?
3. Did I use passive voice and sequencing language to describe the process?
4. Did I use a variety of vocabulary related to stages of development and
descriptive details?
5. Did I logically describe each stage, maintaining a clear flow?