IELTS Writing Task 1 — Sequencing Words

Maher
1 day ago
3 min read

Use these words to organise your process description clearly and improve your Coherence & Cohesion score.

If you’re preparing for the IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, mastering sequencing words is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your score for Coherence and Cohesion — one of the key IELTS band descriptors.

In this blog post, we'll explore:

Why sequencing words are important
The types of Task 1 questions where you need them
A list of useful sequencing words
Sample sentences you can copy and adapt in your own writing

Why Are Sequencing Words Important?

In Task 1, IELTS examiners assess how well you organise your ideas and present information logically. This is called Coherence and Cohesion.

When you describe process diagrams, life cycles, manufacturing stages or farming procedures, you are usually explaining a series of steps. Using sequencing words helps the examiner follow your description easily, showing that your writing is well-structured and clear.

Which Tasks Require Sequencing Words?

Sequencing words are particularly useful for:

Process Diagrams (e.g. how coffee is made, how plastic bottles are recycled)
Life Cycles (e.g. the life cycle of a butterfly, frog, or salmon)
Manufacturing Diagrams (e.g. how cement is produced, how bricks are made)
Natural Processes (e.g. water cycle, erosion)

Useful Sequencing Words for Task 1

Here’s a powerful list of sequencing words you can use to impress the examiner:

Beginning the Process

First
Firstly
To begin with
Initially
The process begins when...

Moving to the Next Step

Then
Next
After that
Subsequently
In the following stage

Describing Simultaneous Actions

While
During
At the same time
Simultaneously
Meanwhile

Later Stages

Afterwards
Later
Following this
Once (something has happened)
As soon as

Ending the Process

Finally
In the final stage
At the end
Ultimately
The last step involves...

Example Sentences

Here are some model sentences you can borrow for your IELTS Writing Task 1:

"The process begins with harvesting the raw materials."
"Next, the materials are crushed into smaller pieces."
"After that, the mixture is heated in a kiln at high temperatures."
"While the material cools, it is transferred to storage containers."
"Finally, the finished product is packaged and distributed."

Using these structures not only improves your writing but also helps you stay organised and focused while writing under exam pressure.

How Sequencing Words Help Your IELTS Score

In the official IELTS Band Descriptors, Band 7 and above require:

"Logically organises information and ideas; there is clear progression throughout."

Sequencing words are a simple way to demonstrate this progression. Even if your vocabulary or grammar is not perfect, clear sequencing shows the examiner that your writing is easy to follow, which can boost your score.

Practice This Skill With Master English

At Master English, we specialise in preparing students for both IELTS Academic and General Training exams. In our classes (both online and in-person in Sydney near Town Hall), we teach you how to master: