Describing a process is a common type of writing task in the IELTS exam. This type of question requires the test-taker to describe a process or a series of steps involved in making or producing something. To do so, it is important to use appropriate verb tenses, particularly the present simple passive for describing the steps in the process.

The present simple passive is used when the focus is on the action being done to the object rather than who is doing the action. The structure of the present simple passive is:

object + to be + past participle of the verb

For example:

• The tea leaves are picked.
• The coffee beans are roasted.
• The milk is heated.

In the context of describing a process, the use of passive voice is particularly helpful when describing the steps involved in the production or manufacturing of products or goods, where the focus is more on the process and the end product rather than the person or entity performing the action.

On the other hand, active verbs are used when describing natural processes, where the focus is on the subject performing the action. In this case, the structure of the sentence is subject + verb. For example:

• The sun shines.
• The plants grow.
• The wind blows.

When describing a process, it is important to use appropriate transition words and phrases to show the sequence of steps involved, such as "firstly," "secondly," "next," "then," and "finally."

In summary, when describing a process, the present simple passive is used to describe the steps involved in a process where the focus is on the action being done to the object rather than who is performing the action. Active verbs are used when describing natural processes, where the focus is on the subject performing the action. Using appropriate transition words and phrases is also important to show the sequence of steps involved in the process.