The Task
The diagram below shows how biogas is produced from organic waste.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
1How many stages? Name them.
The diagram has 8 stages. It is a man-made process shown as a linear sequence: organic waste is put into a sealed digester, bacteria produce gas, and both the gas and the leftover waste are used.
Phase 1 – Preparing and digesting the waste (Stages 1–4)
- 1Collecting wasteOrganic waste is collected.
- 2MixingThe waste is mixed with water.
- 3Into the digesterThe mixture goes into a sealed digester.
- 4Bacteria break down wasteBacteria break down the waste.
Phase 2 – Collecting and using the products (Stages 5–8)
- 5Gas collectsBiogas rises and collects at the top.
- 6Storing gasThe gas is piped to a storage tank.
- 7Using the gasThe gas is used for cooking, heating and electricity.
- 8Slurry as fertiliserThe leftover slurry is used as fertiliser.
3Sentence Formulas
The structure behind each Band 6.5 sentence. Change the band on the left to see another level.
| Stage | Band 4.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Collecting waste | First + N + such as + adj + N, N and N + N + is + V3 |
| 2 Mixing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + with + N + in a + N |
| 3 Into the digester | Then + the + N + is + V3 + into a + adj + adj + N + with no + N |
| 4 Bacteria break down waste | After that + N + break down + the + N + for about + time + at + temperature |
| 5 Gas collects | In the second part + N + goes up to + the top of the + N. This + N + is + V3 + N |
| 6 Storing gas | Next + the + N + goes through + a + N + and is + V3 + in a + N + N |
| 7 Using the gas | Then + N + use + the + N + for + N-ing, N-ing and V-ing + N |
| 8 Slurry as fertiliser | Finally + the + N + that + is left + in the + N + is + V3 + on + N + as + N |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Collecting waste | To begin with + adj + N, such as + adj + N, N and N + N, is + V3 |
| 2 Mixing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + with + N + in a + N + N |
| 3 Into the digester | After that + the + N + is + V3 + into a + adj + N + called + a + N, which + has + no + N + inside |
| 4 Bacteria break down waste | Inside the digester + N + break down + the + N + over a period of + about + time + at + temperature |
| 5 Gas collects | In the second stage + N, which + is + adverb + N, rises and collects + at the top of the + N |
| 6 Storing gas | Next + the + N + is + V3 + to a + N, where + it + is + V3 |
| 7 Using the gas | After that + the + N + is + V3 + for + N-ing, N-ing and V-ing + N |
| 8 Slurry as fertiliser | Finally + the + N + that + is left + in the + N + is + V3 + as + N + on + N |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Collecting waste | The process begins with + adj + N + such as + adj + N, N and N + N + being + V3 |
| 2 Mixing | After this + the + N + is + V3 + with + N + in a + N + N |
| 3 Into the digester | Following this + the + N + is + V3 + into a + adj + N, where + there + is + no + N |
| 4 Bacteria break down waste | Inside the digester + N + adverb + break down + the + N + over about + time + at a temperature of + number |
| 5 Gas collects | Turning to the second phase + the + N + V3, which + is + adverb + N, rises and collects + at the top of the + N |
| 6 Storing gas | S + is then + V3 + to a + N + N |
| 7 Using the gas | From here + the + N + is + V3 + for + N-ing, N-ing and V-ing + N |
| 8 Slurry as fertiliser | In the final stage + the + N + V3 + in the + N + is + V3 + on + N + as + N |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Collecting waste | The process commences with + the + N + of + adj + N, including + adj + N, N + N and N + N |
| 2 Mixing | This + N + is then + V3 + with + N + in a + N + N |
| 3 Into the digester | The resulting + N + is subsequently + V3 + into an + adj + N |
| 4 Bacteria break down waste | Over a period of roughly + time + N + decompose + the + N + in the absence of + N + at around + temperature |
| 5 Gas collects | Turning to the second phase + the resulting + N, consisting mainly of + N, accumulates + at the top of the + N |
| 6 Storing gas | This + N + is then + V3 + to a + N + N + until + it + is + V3 |
| 7 Using the gas | It can then be + V3 + as a + N + for + N-ing and N-ing, as well as + for + V-ing + N |
| 8 Slurry as fertiliser | Finally + the + adj + N + is + V3 + from the + N + and + V3 + to + N + as + N, meaning that + nothing + is + V3 |
4Linkers – Sequencing Words & Transitions
Use a different linker for each stage – never “Then … Then … Then”. These are the linkers for Band 6.5.
Beginning
- First
Next step
- Next
- Then
- After that
Ending
- Finally
Joining
- … and + V3 (are taken out and put …)
- to + V (to make)
Beginning
- To begin with
- First of all
Next step
- After that / After this
- Next
- Then
Change of place / phase
- In the second stage, …
- In the factory, …
Ending
- Finally
Joining
- …, and then …
- … called + N
Beginning
- The process begins when …
- The process begins with + N
Next step
- Following this
- Subsequently
- Next
Time clauses
- Once + adj (Once dry, …)
- After + N (After fermentation, …)
Inside a stage
- …, where + clause
- …, which + verb
- … known as + N
- …, a stage which lasts …
Change of phase
- Turning to the … stage, …
Ending
- In the final stage
Beginning
- The process commences with + the + N of + N
Time
- Once + V3 (Once extracted, …)
- Following + N (Following roasting, …)
Next step
- Subsequently
- To complete the … phase, …
Result phrases
- …, leaving only + N
- …, producing + N
- …, resulting in + N
Naming
- … referred to as + N
- … ranging from X to Y
Ending
- In the final stage
- … culminating in + N
5Translation Practice – Vietnamese → English
Translate each sentence into English. The word in ( ) is the key word you must use. Check the Tense note, write your answer, then press Show answer.
Band 4.5 – 8 sentences
Đầu tiên, chất thải như phân động vật, thức ăn thừa và phế phẩm cây trồng được thu gom (is collected).
Tiếp theo, chất thải được trộn (is mixed) với nước trong một bồn.
Sau đó, hỗn hợp được cho (is put) vào một bồn lớn kín không có không khí.
Sau đó, vi khuẩn phân huỷ (break down) chất thải trong khoảng 30 ngày ở 35°C.
Ở phần thứ hai, khí bay lên (goes up) đỉnh bồn. Khí này được gọi là biogas.
Tiếp theo, khí đi qua một đường ống và được giữ (is kept) trong bồn khí.
Sau đó, mọi người dùng (use) khí để nấu ăn, sưởi ấm và tạo ra điện.
Cuối cùng, chất thải còn lại trong bồn được rải (is put) lên đồng ruộng làm phân bón.
Band 5.5 – 8 sentences
Trước tiên, chất thải hữu cơ (organic waste), như phân động vật, thức ăn thừa và phế phẩm cây trồng, được thu gom.
Tiếp theo, chất thải được trộn với nước trong bồn trộn (mixing tank).
Sau đó, hỗn hợp được bơm vào một bồn kín gọi là (called) bể phân huỷ, bên trong không có không khí.
Bên trong bể, vi khuẩn phân huỷ chất thải trong khoảng thời gian (over a period of) khoảng 30 ngày ở 35°C.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, khí sinh học, chủ yếu là mê-tan, bốc lên và tụ lại (collects) ở đỉnh bể.
Tiếp theo, khí được dẫn bằng ống (is piped) đến một bồn, nơi nó được lưu trữ.
Sau đó, khí được sử dụng (is used) để nấu ăn, sưởi ấm và sản xuất điện.
Cuối cùng, phần bã thải còn lại (slurry) trong bể được dùng làm phân bón trên đồng ruộng.
Band 6.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc chất thải hữu cơ như phân động vật, thức ăn thừa và phế phẩm cây trồng được thu gom (being collected).
Sau đó, chất thải được trộn với nước (mixed with water) trong bồn trộn.
Tiếp sau đó, hỗn hợp được bơm vào bể phân huỷ kín, nơi (where) không có không khí.
Bên trong bể, vi khuẩn dần dần (gradually) phân huỷ chất thải trong khoảng 30 ngày ở nhiệt độ 35°C.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, khí sinh học được tạo ra, chủ yếu là mê-tan (methane), bốc lên và tụ lại ở đỉnh bể.
Khí sau đó được dẫn bằng ống đến bồn chứa (storage tank).
Từ đây, khí được sử dụng để nấu ăn, sưởi ấm và phát điện (generating electricity).
Ở giai đoạn cuối, phần bã thải còn lại trong bể được rải (spread) lên đồng ruộng làm phân bón.
Band 7.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc thu gom chất thải hữu cơ, bao gồm phân động vật, thức ăn thừa và phế phẩm cây trồng (crop residues).
Chất thải này sau đó được kết hợp (combined) với nước trong bồn trộn.
Hỗn hợp thu được sau đó được bơm vào một bể phân huỷ kín khí (airtight).
Trong khoảng 30 ngày, vi khuẩn phân huỷ chất thải trong điều kiện không có (in the absence of) oxy ở khoảng 35°C.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, khí sinh học thu được, chủ yếu gồm mê-tan, tích tụ (accumulates) ở đỉnh bể phân huỷ.
Khí này sau đó được dẫn đến bồn chứa cho đến khi cần dùng (until it is needed).
Sau đó, khí có thể được dùng làm nhiên liệu để nấu ăn và sưởi ấm, cũng như (as well as) để phát điện.
Cuối cùng, phần bã còn lại được lấy ra khỏi bể và bón lên đồng ruộng làm phân, nghĩa là (meaning that) không có gì bị lãng phí.
6Linker Practice
Part A: drag (or tap) the linkers into the gaps. Part B: translate using the linker in ( ).
Part A – Band 4.5 linkers (8 sentences)
Computer: drag a linker into a gap. Phone: tap a linker, then tap a gap. Tap a filled gap to empty it.
- , waste such as animal manure is collected.
- The waste is mixed water.
- The mixture is put a big closed tank.
- Bacteria break the waste.
- the second part, gas goes up to the top.
- The gas is kept a gas tank.
- People use the gas cooking.
- , the waste is put on fields.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), chất thải được thu gom.
Tiếp theo (Next), chất thải được trộn với nước.
Sau đó (Then), hỗn hợp được cho vào bồn kín.
Sau đó (After that), vi khuẩn phân huỷ chất thải.
Cuối cùng (Finally), chất thải còn lại được rải lên đồng ruộng.
Part A – Band 5.5 linkers (8 sentences)
Computer: drag a linker into a gap. Phone: tap a linker, then tap a gap. Tap a filled gap to empty it.
- Organic waste, as animal manure, is collected.
- The waste is mixed with water in a tank.
- The mixture is pumped into a sealed tank a digester.
- the digester, bacteria break down the waste.
- Biogas, is mainly methane, rises.
- The gas is piped to a tank, it is stored.
- The gas is used for cooking heating.
- The slurry is used fertiliser.
Part B – Translate with Band 5.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Trước tiên (To begin with), chất thải hữu cơ được thu gom.
Hỗn hợp được bơm vào một bồn kín gọi là (called) bể phân huỷ.
Bên trong (Inside) bể, vi khuẩn phân huỷ chất thải.
Khí được dẫn đến bồn, nơi (where) nó được lưu trữ.
Bã thải được dùng làm (as) phân bón.
Part A – Band 6.5 linkers (8 sentences)
Computer: drag a linker into a gap. Phone: tap a linker, then tap a gap. Tap a filled gap to empty it.
- The process begins organic waste being collected.
- The waste is mixed water in a mixing tank.
- The mixture is pumped into a sealed digester, there is no air.
- Bacteria break down the waste.
- the second phase, the biogas rises.
- The gas is mainly .
- here, the gas is used for cooking.
- The slurry is spread on fields fertiliser.
Part B – Translate with Band 6.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc (begins with) chất thải hữu cơ được thu gom.
Hỗn hợp được bơm vào bể kín, nơi (where) không có không khí.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, khí sinh học bốc lên.
Từ đây (From here), khí được dùng để nấu ăn.
Bã thải được rải lên ruộng làm (as) phân bón.
Part A – Band 7.5 linkers (8 sentences)
Computer: drag a linker into a gap. Phone: tap a linker, then tap a gap. Tap a filled gap to empty it.
- The process commences with the of organic waste.
- The waste includes food scraps and crop .
- The mixture is pumped into an digester.
- Bacteria decompose the waste in the of oxygen.
- The biogas, consisting mainly methane, accumulates.
- The gas is piped to a tank it is needed.
- It is used for cooking, as as for generating electricity.
- The slurry is applied to fields, meaning nothing is wasted.
Part B – Translate with Band 7.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc thu gom (the collection of) chất thải hữu cơ.
Vi khuẩn phân huỷ chất thải trong điều kiện không có (in the absence of) oxy.
Khí được dẫn đến bồn chứa cho đến khi (until) cần dùng.
Khí được dùng để nấu ăn, cũng như (as well as) để phát điện.
Bã được bón lên ruộng, nghĩa là (meaning that) không gì bị lãng phí.
7Introduction – Paraphrasing the Task
Paraphrase the task sentence. The column of your band is highlighted.
| Task words | Band 4.5 | Band 5.5 | Band 6.5 | Band 7.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The diagram below shows | The diagram shows | The diagram illustrates | The diagram illustrates | The given diagram depicts |
| how biogas is produced | how biogas is made | the process of making biogas | the various stages in the production of biogas | the sequence of stages involved in generating biogas |
| from organic waste | from waste | from organic waste | from organic waste | from organic waste materials |
| and how the products are used | as well as the uses of the resulting products |
The diagram shows how biogas is made from waste.
Band 4.5: changes “produced” to “made” and “organic waste” to “waste” – simple and correct.
The diagram illustrates the process of making biogas from organic waste.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates) and a noun phrase (the process of making).
The diagram illustrates the various stages in the production of biogas from organic waste and how the products are used.
Band 6.5: nominalisation (the production of) and an extra clause that covers the whole diagram (how the products are used).
The given diagram depicts the sequence of stages involved in generating biogas from organic waste materials, as well as the uses of the resulting products.
Band 7.5: precise verbs (depicts, generating), a complex noun phrase and an extra phrase (as well as the uses of the resulting products) that covers the whole diagram.
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how biogas is made / the production of biogas from organic waste and how the products are used.
8Overview
An overview gives the number of stages and the start and end; higher bands add the two main phases in more precise language. No details (no “35°C”, “30 days”, “methane” or the list of uses).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are eight steps in this process. It starts with collecting waste and finishes with using the gas and the waste that is left. Two useful things are made.
Why Band 4.5: Two short simple sentences, basic words (steps, starts, finishes), no phases.
Band 5.5 formula
Overall, there are eight stages in the process. In the first four stages, the waste is prepared and broken down in a digester, and in the last four stages, the gas is collected and used. The process makes two useful products: gas and fertiliser.
Why Band 5.5: Names the two parts in simple words; begins with … ends with …; no numbers or details.
Band 6.5 formula
Overall, the process consists of eight stages, which can be divided into two main phases: preparing and digesting the waste, and collecting and using the products. It is clear that the process produces two useful outputs – gas for energy and slurry for fertiliser – so very little is wasted.
Why Band 6.5: A which-clause divides the stages into two phases; nominal phrases (the harvesting of, the production of).
Band 7.5 formula
Overall, biogas production involves eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – the preparation and digestion of waste, followed by the collection and use of its products – and it is notable that the process yields both a fuel and a fertiliser, meaning that virtually nothing is wasted.
Why Band 7.5: comprises · distinct · fall into · dashes for the phases · commencing with … culminating in … in ONE sentence.
9Writing Practice
Essay plan: Introduction → Overview → Body 1: Stages 1–4 (Preparing and digesting the waste) → Body 2: Stages 5–8 (Collecting and using the products). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- produced →
- break down →
- collects →
- used →
Exercise 2 – Choose the best Overview
Which sentence is a good overview?
Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 4.5)
Type ONE word in each gap. Look at the diagram for the details.
First, waste such as animal manure, food and crop waste is . Next, the waste is with water in a tank. Then, the mixture is put into a big tank with no air. After that, break down the waste for about 30 days at 35°C.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 4.5)
Choose 1–6 for each sentence.
Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 5.5)
Type ONE word in each gap. Look at the diagram for the details.
To begin with, waste, such as animal manure, food and crop waste, is collected. Next, the waste is mixed with water in a tank. After that, the mixture is into a sealed tank called a digester, which has no inside.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 5.5)
Choose 1–4 for each sentence.
Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 6.5)
Type ONE word in each gap. Look at the diagram for the details.
The process begins with waste such as animal manure, food and crop waste being collected. After this, the waste is with water in a mixing tank. Following this, the mixture is pumped into a digester, where there is no air. Inside the digester, bacteria gradually down the waste over about 30 days at a temperature of 35°C.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 6.5)
Choose 1–4 for each sentence.
Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 7.5)
Type ONE word in each gap. Look at the diagram for the details.
The process commences with the of organic waste, including animal manure, food scraps and crop residues. This waste is then with water in a mixing tank. The resulting mixture is subsequently pumped into an digester. Over a period of roughly 30 days, bacteria the waste in the absence of oxygen at around 35°C.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 7.5)
Choose 1–4 for each sentence.
Write your essay – paragraph by paragraph
Use the Band 6.5 formulas, linkers and samples from Steps 3–8. Check the Band Standard on the left before you write.
Exercise 5 – Introduction
One sentence. Paraphrase the task (Step 7).
Words: 0 (about 20–30 words)
Exercise 6 – Overview
Use the formula for your band (Step 8).
Words: 0 (about 25–45 words)
Exercise 7 – Body 1 (Stages 1–4)
Write the stages in order with a different linker for each.
Words: 0 (about 55–75 words)
Exercise 8 – Body 2 (Stages 5–8)
Start with a phase change (In the factory / Turning to …).
Words: 0 (about 50–70 words)
Exercise 9 – Your full essay
Press “Collect my paragraphs”, then edit them into one essay and compare with the model.
Words: 0 (minimum 150)
Model Answer 6.5
Write your own essay first, then compare. Highlighted = key collocations to learn.