The Task
The diagram below shows the process of producing canned fish.
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 – from catching fish at sea to sending sealed, labelled cans to shops.
Phase 1 – Catching and preparing the fish (Stages 1–4)
- 1CatchingFish are caught at sea.
- 2Storing on iceFish are kept on ice on the boat.
- 3WashingThe fish are washed at the factory.
- 4CuttingHeads and tails are removed; fish cut into pieces.
Phase 2 – Cooking, canning and distribution (Stages 5–8)
- 5CookingThe fish pieces are steamed.
- 6Filling and sealingFish is put into cans with oil and salt; cans are sealed.
- 7Sterilising**The sealed cans are heated to 115°C.
- 8Labelling and deliveryCans are labelled and sent to shops.
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 Catching | First + N + are + V3 + at sea + with + N |
| 2 Storing on ice | Next + the + N + are + V3 + on + N + on the + N |
| 3 Washing | Then + the + N + are + V3 + to a + N + and + V3 |
| 4 Cutting | After that + the + N and N + are + V3 + off, and + the + N + is + V3 + into + N. The + N and N + are + V3 + into + N |
| 5 Cooking | In the second part + the + N + N + are + V3 + with + N + for + time |
| 6 Filling and sealing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + into + N + with + N and N, and + the + N + are + V3 |
| 7 Sterilising** | Then + the + N + are + V3 + to + temperature |
| 8 Labelling and delivery | Finally + N + are + V3 + on the + N, and + the + N + are + V3 + to + N |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Catching | To begin with + N + are + V3 + at sea + by + N + N + using + N |
| 2 Storing on ice | Next + the + N + are + V3 + on + N + to + keep them + adj |
| 3 Washing | After that + the + N + are + V3 + to a + N, where + they + are + V3 |
| 4 Cutting | Next + the + N and N + are + V3 and V3 + into + N, while + the rest of the + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 5 Cooking | In the second stage + the + N + of + N + are + V3 + for + time |
| 6 Filling and sealing | After that + the + adj + N + is + V3 + into + N + with + N and N, and then + the + N + are + V3 |
| 7 Sterilising** | Then + the + V3-adj + N + are + V3 + to + temperature + to + kill + N |
| 8 Labelling and delivery | Finally + the + N + are + V3 and V3 + to + N |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Catching | The process begins with + N + being + V3 + at sea + by + N + N + using + N |
| 2 Storing on ice | After this + the + N + are + V3 + on + N + in order to + keep them + adj |
| 3 Washing | Following this + the + N + are + V3 + to a + N + and + V3 |
| 4 Cutting | S + are then + V3 + into + N, and + the + N and N + are + V3 + to be made into + N |
| 5 Cooking | Turning to the second phase + the + N + N + are + V3 + by + V-ing + for + time |
| 6 Filling and sealing | Next + the + adj + N + is + V3 + in + N + together with + N and N, and + the + N + are + V3 |
| 7 Sterilising** | After this + the + V3-adj + N + are + V3 + by + heating them + to + temperature |
| 8 Labelling and delivery | In the final stage + the + N + are + V3 and V3 + to + N |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Catching | The process commences at sea, where + N + are + V3 + in + N + by + N + N |
| 2 Storing on ice | The catch is then + V3 + in + N + to + preserve + its + N |
| 3 Washing | On arrival at the + N + the + N + are + V3 + adverb |
| 4 Cutting | Next + the + N and N + are + V3 and V3 + into + N, while + the + adj + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 5 Cooking | Turning to the second phase + the + N + are + V3 + for approximately + time |
| 6 Filling and sealing | S + is then + V3 + in + N + along with + N and N, after which + the + N + are + V3 |
| 7 Sterilising** | Once + V3 + the + N + are + V3 + at + temperature |
| 8 Labelling and delivery | Finally + the + N + are + V3 + before being + V3 + to + N |
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, cá được đánh bắt (are caught) ngoài biển bằng lưới.
Tiếp theo, cá được giữ (are kept) trên đá lạnh ở trên tàu.
Sau đó, cá được đưa (are taken) đến nhà máy và được rửa.
Sau đó, đầu và đuôi được cắt bỏ, và cá được cắt thành miếng. Đầu và đuôi được làm thành (are made into) bột cá.
Ở phần thứ hai, những miếng cá được nấu (are cooked) bằng hơi nước trong một giờ.
Tiếp theo, cá được cho vào lon cùng với dầu và muối, và các lon được đóng lại (are closed).
Sau đó, các lon được đun nóng (are heated) đến 115°C.
Cuối cùng, nhãn được dán lên lon, và các lon được gửi (are sent) đến cửa hàng.
Band 5.5 – 8 sentences
Trước tiên, cá được tàu đánh cá bắt ngoài biển bằng cách dùng (using) lưới.
Tiếp theo, cá được bảo quản trên đá lạnh để giữ (keep) chúng lạnh.
Sau đó, cá được đưa đến nhà máy, nơi (where) chúng được rửa.
Tiếp theo, đầu và đuôi được loại bỏ và làm thành bột cá, trong khi (while) phần còn lại của cá được cắt thành miếng.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, các miếng cá được hấp (are steamed) trong một giờ.
Sau đó, cá đã nấu được cho vào lon với dầu và muối, rồi các lon được hàn kín (are sealed).
Sau đó, các lon đã hàn kín được đun đến 115°C để diệt (kill) vi khuẩn.
Cuối cùng, các lon được dán nhãn (are labelled) và gửi đến cửa hàng.
Band 6.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc cá được đánh bắt ngoài biển (at sea) bởi tàu cá dùng lưới.
Sau đó, cá được bảo quản trên đá lạnh nhằm giữ chúng tươi (fresh).
Tiếp sau đó, cá được chuyển (delivered) đến nhà máy và được rửa.
Cá sau đó được cắt thành miếng, và đầu đuôi được loại bỏ để làm thành bột cá (fishmeal).
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, các miếng cá được nấu bằng cách hấp (by steaming) trong một giờ.
Tiếp theo, cá đã nấu được đặt vào lon cùng với (together with) dầu và muối, và các lon được hàn kín.
Sau bước này, các lon đã hàn kín được tiệt trùng (sterilised) bằng cách đun đến 115°C.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, các lon được dán nhãn và giao (delivered) đến cửa hàng.
Band 7.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu ngoài biển, nơi cá được tàu đánh cá (fishing vessels) bắt bằng lưới.
Mẻ cá (The catch) sau đó được ướp đá để giữ độ tươi.
Khi đến nhà máy (On arrival), cá được rửa kỹ.
Tiếp theo, đầu và đuôi được loại bỏ và chế biến thành bột cá, trong khi phần thịt còn lại (remaining flesh) được cắt thành miếng.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, các miếng cá được hấp trong khoảng (approximately) một giờ.
Cá đã nấu sau đó được đặt vào lon cùng với dầu và muối, sau đó (after which) các lon được hàn kín.
Một khi đã hàn kín (Once sealed), các lon được tiệt trùng ở 115°C.
Cuối cùng, các lon được dán nhãn trước khi được (before being) phân phối đến cửa hàng.
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.
- , fish are caught at sea.
- The fish are kept ice on the boat.
- The fish are taken to a factory washed.
- The fish is cut pieces.
- the second part, the fish pieces are cooked.
- The fish is put into cans oil and salt.
- The cans are heated 115°C.
- , the cans are sent to shops.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), cá được đánh bắt ngoài biển.
Tiếp theo (Next), cá được giữ trên đá lạnh.
Sau đó (Then), cá được rửa tại nhà máy.
Sau đó (After that), cá được cắt thành miếng.
Cuối cùng (Finally), các lon được gửi đến cửa hàng.
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.
- , fish are caught at sea.
- Fish are caught by fishing boats nets.
- The fish are stored on ice keep them cold.
- The fish are taken to a factory, they are washed.
- The heads are removed, the rest is cut into pieces.
- The cooked fish is put into cans, and the cans are sealed.
- The cans are heated to 115°C to kill .
- , the cans are labelled and sent to shops.
Part B – Translate with Band 5.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Trước tiên (To begin with), cá được tàu đánh bắt.
Cá được đưa đến nhà máy, nơi (where) chúng được rửa.
Đầu cá được loại bỏ, trong khi (while) phần còn lại được cắt.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai (In the second stage), cá được hấp.
Các lon được đun nóng để (to) diệt vi khuẩn.
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 fish being caught at sea.
- The fish are stored on ice in to keep them fresh.
- this, the fish are delivered to a factory.
- The heads are removed to be made fishmeal.
- the second phase, the fish is cooked by steaming.
- The fish is placed in cans together oil and salt.
- The cans are sterilised heating them.
- , the cans are labelled.
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) cá được đánh bắt.
Cá được bảo quản trên đá nhằm (in order to) giữ tươi.
Đầu cá được loại bỏ để được làm thành (to be made into) bột cá.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, cá được hấp.
Các lon được tiệt trùng bằng cách (by) đun nóng.
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 at sea, fish are caught in nets.
- The catch is packed in ice to its freshness.
- On at the factory, the fish are washed.
- The heads and tails are removed and into fishmeal.
- The flesh is cut into pieces.
- The fish is placed in cans along oil and salt.
- The cans are sealed, which they are sterilised.
- The cans are labelled before distributed.
Part B – Translate with Band 7.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Quy trình bắt đầu ngoài biển, nơi (where) cá được đánh bắt.
Khi đến nhà máy (On arrival at the factory), cá được rửa kỹ.
Đầu cá được chế biến thành bột cá, trong khi (while) phần thịt còn lại được cắt.
Các lon được hàn kín, sau đó (after which) chúng được tiệt trùng.
Các lon được dán nhãn trước khi được (before being) phân phối.
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 |
| the process of producing | how | the process of making | the various stages in the production of | the sequence of stages involved in manufacturing |
| canned fish | fish is canned | canned fish | canned fish | tinned fish |
| from catching the fish to delivering the cans to shops | from the moment the fish are caught to the distribution of the finished product |
The diagram shows how fish is canned.
Band 4.5: changes “the process of producing canned fish” into “how fish is canned” – simple and correct.
The diagram illustrates the process of making canned fish, from catching the fish to sending the cans to shops.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a noun phrase (the process of making) and a clear “from … to …”.
The diagram illustrates the various stages in the production of canned fish, from catching the fish to delivering the cans to shops.
Band 6.5: nominalisation (the production of) and a precise “from … to …” covering the whole process.
The given diagram depicts the sequence of stages involved in manufacturing tinned fish, from the moment the fish are caught to the distribution of the finished product.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), a British synonym (tinned) and a sophisticated “from the moment … to …”.
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how fish is canned / the production of canned fish, from catching the fish to delivering the cans to shops.
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 “115°C”, “one hour”, “oil and salt” or “fishmeal”).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are eight steps in this process. It starts with catching fish at sea and finishes with sending cans of fish to shops.
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 fish are caught and prepared, and in the last four stages, they are cooked, put into cans and sent to shops. The waste from the fish is also used.
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: catching and preparing the fish, and cooking, canning and distributing it. It is also noticeable that the waste parts of the fish are made into fishmeal.
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, the production of canned fish involves eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – catching and preparing the fish, followed by cooking, canning and distribution – and it is notable that the parts of the fish which are not canned are turned into fishmeal rather than 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 (Catching and preparing the fish) → Body 2: Stages 5–8 (Cooking, canning and distribution). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- canned →
- producing →
- kept →
- closed →
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, fish are at sea with nets. Next, the fish are kept on on the boat. Then, the fish are taken to a factory and . After that, the heads and tails are cut off, and the fish is cut into .
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 4.5)
Choose 1–5 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, fish are at sea by fishing boats using nets. Next, the fish are on ice to keep them cold. After that, the fish are taken to a factory, they are washed. Next, the heads and tails are and made into fishmeal.
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 fish being at sea by fishing boats using nets. After this, the fish are stored on ice in order to keep them . Following this, the fish are to a factory and washed. The fish are then cut into pieces, and the heads and tails are removed to be made into .
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 at sea, where fish are caught in nets by fishing . The catch is then packed in ice to its freshness. On at the factory, the fish are washed thoroughly. Next, the heads and tails are removed and into fishmeal, while the remaining flesh is cut into pieces.
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.