The Carbon Cycle – STUDENT'S EDITION

The Task

The diagram below shows how carbon moves through the natural world in the carbon cycle.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

← swipe to see the whole diagram →

How to use this lesson: choose a band in the Band Standard bar (left; on a phone, at the top). Every step then shows sentences, exercises and the model for that band. Start at your current band, then try the next one up.

1How many stages? Name them.

The diagram has 6 stages arranged as a cycle around carbon dioxide in the air. Carbon is taken out of the air by plants, passes through animals and the ground, and returns to the air.

Phase 1 – Carbon taken in by living things (Stages 1–3)

1
Photosynthesis*Plants take in CO₂ from the air.
2
FeedingAnimals eat plants; carbon passes to animals.
3
Respiration**Plants and animals breathe out CO₂.

Phase 2 – Carbon in the ground and back to the air (Stages 4–6)

4
DecompositionDead plants and animals decay in the ground.
5
Fossil fuels formOver millions of years they become fossil fuels.
6
Burning fuelsBurning fossil fuels releases CO₂ into the air.

The diagram does not label the phases. This lesson divides the cycle into carbon in living things (stages 1–3) and carbon in the ground and back to the air (stages 4–6).

3Sentence Formulas

The structure behind each Band 6.5 sentence. Change the band on the left to see another level.

LinkerSubjectVerbObject / Place / ResultTime / Purpose

Stage	Band 4.5 formula
1 Photosynthesis*	First + N + take in + N + N + from the + N + and use + N + to + make + N
2 Feeding	Next + N + eat + the + N, so + the + N + goes into + the + N
3 Respiration**	Then + N and N + breathe out + N + N, and + it + goes back into + the + N
4 Decomposition	In the second part + N and N + die and rot + in the + N
5 Fossil fuels form	Next + after millions of years + some of them + become + N, N and N
6 Burning fuels	Finally + N + burn + these + N + in + N and N, and + N + N + goes back into + the + N. Then + the + N + starts again

Stage	Band 5.5 formula
1 Photosynthesis*	To begin with + N + absorb + N + N + from the + N + and use it + to + make + N
2 Feeding	Next + N + eat + the + N, and + the + N + moves into + their + N
3 Respiration**	At the same time + N and N + breathe out + N + N, which + returns to + the + N
4 Decomposition	In the second stage + when + N and N + die, they + decay + in the + N
5 Fossil fuels form	Over millions of years + some of these + N + turn into + adj + N + such as + N, N and N
6 Burning fuels	Finally + these + N + are + V3 + in + N and N, and + N + N + returns to + the + N, so + the + N + begins again

Stage	Band 6.5 formula
1 Photosynthesis*	The cycle begins when + N + absorb + N + N + from the + N + through + N
2 Feeding	When + S + V + these + N + the + N + is + V3 + on + to + the + N
3 Respiration**	Through respiration + both + N and N + release + N + N + back into the + N
4 Decomposition	Turning to the second phase + adj + N and N + decompose + in the + N
5 Fossil fuels form	Over millions of years + some of these + N + are + V3 + into + adj + N + such as + N, N and N
6 Burning fuels	In the final stage + these + N + are + V3 + in + N and N, which + releases + N + N + into the + N, and + the + N + repeats

Stage	Band 7.5 formula
1 Photosynthesis*	Taking + the + N + as the starting point + N + N + is + V3 + by + N + through + N
2 Feeding	This + N + is then + V3 + to + N + when + they + consume + the + N
3 Respiration**	Some of this + N + is returned + adverb + to the + N, as + both + N and N + release + N + N + through + N
4 Decomposition	Turning to the second phase, when + N and N + die, their + N + decompose + in the + N
5 Fossil fuels form	Over a period of + time + some of this + N + is + V3 + into + adj + N, namely + N, N and N
6 Burning fuels	Finally + the + N + of these + N + in + N and N + releases + N + N + back into the + N, thereby + V-ing + the + 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.

🔒 The answers in Step 5 are locked. Enter Password 1 from your teacher:

Band 4.5 – 6 sentences

1

Đầu tiên, cây hấp thụ (take in) khí CO₂ từ không khí và dùng ánh sáng mặt trời để tạo ra thức ăn.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

2

Tiếp theo, động vật ăn cây, vì vậy (so) carbon đi vào cơ thể động vật.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + so

3

Sau đó, cây và động vật thở ra (breathe out) CO₂, và nó quay trở lại không khí.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

4

Ở phần thứ hai, cây và động vật chết và mục rữa (rot) trong đất.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

5

Tiếp theo, sau hàng triệu năm, một số trong chúng trở thành (become) than, dầu và khí đốt.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

6

Cuối cùng, con người đốt những nhiên liệu này trong nhà máy và xe hơi, và CO₂ quay trở lại không khí. Sau đó chu trình bắt đầu lại (starts again).

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Band 5.5 – 6 sentences

1

Trước tiên, cây hấp thụ (absorb) CO₂ từ không khí và dùng nó để tạo ra thức ăn.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

2

Tiếp theo, động vật ăn cây, và carbon di chuyển (moves) vào cơ thể chúng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

3

Đồng thời (At the same time), cây và động vật thở ra CO₂, khí này quay trở lại không khí.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + which

4

Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, khi cây và động vật chết, chúng phân huỷ (decay) trong đất.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + when

5

Qua hàng triệu năm, một số xác này biến thành nhiên liệu hoá thạch, như (such as) than, dầu và khí đốt.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

6

Cuối cùng, những nhiên liệu này được đốt (are burned) trong nhà máy và xe hơi, và CO₂ quay lại không khí, vì vậy chu trình bắt đầu lại.

Bị động + chủ động + so

Band 6.5 – 6 sentences

1

Chu trình bắt đầu khi cây hấp thụ CO₂ từ không khí thông qua (through) quá trình quang hợp.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + when

2

Khi động vật ăn những cây này, carbon được truyền sang (is passed on) động vật.

When + Hiện tại đơn bị động

3

Thông qua hô hấp, cả cây và động vật đều thải (release) CO₂ trở lại khí quyển.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

4

Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, xác cây và động vật phân huỷ (decompose) trong đất.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

5

Qua hàng triệu năm, một số xác này được biến thành nhiên liệu hoá thạch (fossil fuels) như than, dầu và khí đốt.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

6

Ở giai đoạn cuối, những nhiên liệu này được đốt trong nhà máy và xe cộ, việc này thải (releases) CO₂ vào không khí, và chu trình lặp lại.

Bị động + mệnh đề which

Band 7.5 – 6 sentences

1

Lấy khí quyển làm điểm khởi đầu (starting point), CO₂ được cây hấp thụ thông qua quá trình quang hợp.

Cụm phân từ + Hiện tại đơn bị động

2

Carbon này sau đó được chuyển (transferred) sang động vật khi chúng ăn cây.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + when

3

Một phần carbon này được trả trực tiếp (directly) vào không khí, vì cả cây và động vật đều thải CO₂ qua hô hấp.

Bị động + as (chỉ lý do)

4

Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, khi cây và động vật chết, xác (remains) của chúng phân huỷ trong đất.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + when

5

Qua khoảng thời gian hàng triệu năm, một phần vật chất này được chuyển hoá thành nhiên liệu hoá thạch, cụ thể là (namely) than, dầu và khí đốt.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + namely

6

Cuối cùng, việc đốt (combustion) những nhiên liệu này trong nhà máy và xe cộ thải CO₂ trở lại khí quyển, nhờ đó khép lại chu trình.

Danh từ hoá làm chủ ngữ + thereby V-ing

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.

, plants take in carbon dioxide.
Plants use sunlight make food.
Animals eat the plants, the carbon goes into the animals.
Plants and animals breathe carbon dioxide.
the second part, plants and animals die.
They die and rot the ground.
People burn these fuels factories and cars.
, the cycle starts again.

Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)

Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.

1

Đầu tiên (First), cây hấp thụ CO₂ từ không khí.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

First, plants take in carbon dioxide from the air.

2

Tiếp theo (Next), động vật ăn cây.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Next, animals eat the plants.

3

Sau đó (Then), cây và động vật thở ra CO₂.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Then, plants and animals breathe out carbon dioxide.

4

Cuối cùng (Finally), con người đốt nhiên liệu.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Finally, people burn fuels.

5

CO₂ quay lại không khí, vì vậy (so) chu trình bắt đầu lại.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + so

CO₂ goes back into the air, so the cycle starts again.

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.

, plants absorb carbon dioxide.
Plants use it make food.
The carbon moves the bodies of animals.
the same time, plants and animals breathe out CO₂.
Carbon dioxide returns to the air, the cycle continues.
plants and animals die, they decay.
Some remains turn into fossil fuels, as coal.
These fuels are burned, the cycle begins again.

Part B – Translate with Band 5.5 linkers (5 sentences)

Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.

1

Trước tiên (To begin with), cây hấp thụ CO₂.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

To begin with, plants absorb carbon dioxide.

2

Đồng thời (At the same time), động vật thở ra CO₂.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

At the same time, animals breathe out carbon dioxide.

3

Khi (When) cây chết, chúng phân huỷ.

When + Hiện tại đơn

When plants die, they decay.

4

Xác biến thành nhiên liệu hoá thạch, như (such as) than đá.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

The remains turn into fossil fuels, such as coal.

5

Những nhiên liệu này được đốt (are burned) trong nhà máy.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

These fuels are burned in factories.

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 cycle begins plants absorb carbon dioxide.
Plants absorb carbon dioxide photosynthesis.
The carbon is passed to the animals.
respiration, plants and animals release CO₂.
the second phase, dead plants decompose.
Some remains are turned fossil fuels.
These fuels are burned, releases carbon dioxide.
, the cycle repeats.

Part B – Translate with Band 6.5 linkers (5 sentences)

Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.

1

Chu trình bắt đầu khi (when) cây hấp thụ CO₂.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + when

The cycle begins when plants absorb carbon dioxide.

2

Khi động vật ăn cây, carbon được truyền sang (is passed on) động vật.

When + bị động

When animals eat the plants, the carbon is passed on to them.

3

Thông qua (Through) hô hấp, động vật thải CO₂.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Through respiration, animals release carbon dioxide.

4

Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, xác cây phân huỷ.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Turning to the second phase, dead plants decompose.

5

Nhiên liệu được đốt, việc này (which) thải CO₂.

Bị động + mệnh đề which

The fuels are burned, which releases carbon dioxide.

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.

Taking the atmosphere as the starting , CO₂ is absorbed.
This carbon is then to animals.
They the plants.
Some carbon is returned to the air, plants release CO₂.
When plants die, their decompose in the soil.
Some material is into fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels, coal, oil and gas, are formed.
The of these fuels releases CO₂.

Part B – Translate with Band 7.5 linkers (5 sentences)

Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.

1

Lấy khí quyển làm điểm khởi đầu (Taking … as the starting point), CO₂ được cây hấp thụ.

Cụm phân từ + bị động

Taking the atmosphere as the starting point, CO₂ is absorbed by plants.

2

Carbon được chuyển sang động vật khi (when) chúng ăn cây.

Bị động + when

The carbon is transferred to animals when they consume the plants.

3

Một phần carbon trở lại không khí, vì (as) cây thải CO₂.

Bị động + as

Some carbon returns to the air, as plants release CO₂.

4

Vật chất được chuyển hoá thành nhiên liệu hoá thạch, cụ thể là (namely) than.

Bị động + namely

The material is converted into fossil fuels, namely coal.

5

Việc đốt nhiên liệu thải CO₂, nhờ đó (thereby) khép lại chu trình.

Hiện tại đơn + thereby V-ing

Burning fuels releases CO₂, thereby completing the cycle.

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 carbon moves	how carbon moves	the way carbon moves	the movement of carbon	the continuous circulation of carbon
through the natural world	in nature	in nature	through the environment	between the atmosphere, living organisms and the ground
in the carbon cycle			in a process known as the carbon cycle

Tip: Do not copy “the natural world”. Use “nature” or “the environment”; at 7.5, name the three places carbon moves between (the atmosphere, living things, the ground).

Sample Introduction – Band 4.5

The diagram shows how carbon moves in nature.

Band 4.5: changes “through the natural world” into “in nature” – simple and correct.

Sample Introduction – Band 5.5

The diagram illustrates the way carbon moves in nature.

Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates) and a noun phrase (the way carbon moves).

Sample Introduction – Band 6.5

The diagram illustrates the movement of carbon through the environment in a process known as the carbon cycle.

Band 6.5: nominalisation (the movement of) and a reduced relative clause (a process known as …).

Sample Introduction – Band 7.5

The given diagram depicts the continuous circulation of carbon between the atmosphere, living organisms and the ground.

Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), an academic noun phrase (the continuous circulation of) and an accurate list of where carbon goes.

Template for students

The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how carbon moves / the movement of carbon in nature / through the environment.

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 “photosynthesis”, “coal, oil and gas” or “millions of years”).

Band 4.5 formula

Overall, there are number steps in this process. It starts with V-ing / N and finishes with V-ing / N.

Example – Band 4.5

Overall, there are six steps in this cycle. Plants take carbon from the air, and then it goes through animals and the ground. In the end, the carbon goes back into the air, so the cycle never stops.

Why Band 4.5: Two short simple sentences, basic words (steps, starts, finishes), no phases.

Band 5.5 formula

Overall, there are number stages in the process. The first number stages happen place / phase A, and the last number happen place / phase B. The process begins with V-ing and ends with the + N of + N.

Example – Band 5.5

Overall, the carbon cycle has six stages and it is a continuous process. Carbon is taken from the air by plants, then it moves into animals and the ground, and it returns to the air in two different ways.

Why Band 5.5: Names the two parts in simple words; begins with … ends with …; no numbers or details.

Band 6.5 formula

Overall, there are number stages in the process, which can be divided into two main phases: A and B. The process begins with the + N of + N and ends with the + N of + N.

Example – Band 6.5

Overall, the carbon cycle is a continuous process made up of six stages. Carbon is removed from the atmosphere by plants, passes through animals and into the ground, and is eventually returned to the air, both through respiration and through the burning of fossil fuels.

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 process comprises number + distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – A and B – commencing with the + N of + N and culminating in the + N of + N.

Example – Band 7.5

Overall, the carbon cycle is a continuous process comprising six stages, in which carbon is removed from the atmosphere by plants, transferred through living organisms and into the ground, and ultimately returned to the air by two distinct routes: respiration and the combustion of fossil fuels.

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 1–3 (Carbon taken in by living things) → Body 2: Stages 4–6 (Carbon in the ground and back to the air). Your writing is saved on this device.

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.

shows →
moves →
take in →
breathe out →
burning →

Exercise 2 – Choose the best Overview

Which sentence is a good overview?

A. Overall, carbon moves in a continuous cycle: it is taken from the air by plants, passes through animals and the ground, and returns to the air in more than one way.B. Overall, coal, oil and gas are formed over millions of years.C. Overall, burning fossil fuels is the main cause of climate change.

Why? B gives a detail (coal, oil, gas, millions of years) – this belongs in the Body. C is an opinion that is not in the diagram. A says the process is a cycle and gives the main movements.

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 4.5)

Type ONE word in each gap. Look at the diagram for the details.

First, plants in carbon dioxide from the air and use sunlight to make . Next, animals the plants, so the carbon goes into the animals. Then, plants and animals out carbon dioxide, and it goes back into the air.

Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 4.5)

Choose 1–5 for each sentence.

In the second part, plants and animals die and rot in the ground.

Next, after millions of years, some of them become coal, oil and gas.

This is the second way.

Finally, people burn these fuels in factories and cars, and carbon dioxide goes back into the air.

Then the cycle starts again.

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 5.5)

Type ONE word in each gap. Look at the diagram for the details.

To begin with, plants carbon dioxide from the air and use it to make food. Next, animals eat the plants, and the carbon into their bodies. At the same time, plants and animals breathe out carbon dioxide, returns to the air.

Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 5.5)

Choose 1–3 for each sentence.

Finally, these fuels are burned in factories and cars, and carbon dioxide returns to the air, so the cycle begins again.

In the second stage, when plants and animals die, they decay in the ground.

Over millions of years, some of these remains turn into fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas.

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 6.5)

Type ONE word in each gap. Look at the diagram for the details.

The cycle begins when plants carbon dioxide from the air through . When animals eat these plants, the carbon is on to the animals. Through , both plants and animals release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 6.5)

Choose 1–3 for each sentence.

Over millions of years, some of these remains are turned into fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

In the final stage, these fuels are burned in factories and vehicles, which releases carbon dioxide into the air, and the cycle repeats.

Turning to the second phase, dead plants and animals decompose in the ground.

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 7.5)

Type ONE word in each gap. Look at the diagram for the details.

Taking the atmosphere as the starting point, carbon dioxide is by plants through photosynthesis. This carbon is then to animals when they the plants. Some of this carbon is returned directly to the air, as both plants and animals release carbon dioxide through .

Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 7.5)

Choose 1–3 for each sentence.

Finally, the combustion of these fuels in factories and vehicles releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, thereby completing the cycle.

Turning to the second phase, when plants and animals die, their remains decompose in the soil.

Over a period of millions of years, some of this material is converted into fossil fuels, namely coal, oil and gas.

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)

I changed the reporting verb and at least two task words.
I kept the technical words (cocoa pods, liquid chocolate).
One sentence, no numbers.

Exercise 6 – Overview

Use the formula for your band (Step 8).

Words: 0 (about 25–45 words)

I started with “Overall,”.
I gave the number of stages (and the two phases for Band 6.5+).
I named the first and last stage – no numbers or details.

Exercise 7 – Body 1 (Stages 1–3)

Write the stages in order with a different linker for each.

Words: 0 (about 55–75 words)

I covered stages 1–3 in order.
I used the passive (be + V3) correctly.
I included the times and details from the diagram.
My linkers match my band (Step 4).

Exercise 8 – Body 2 (Stages 4–6)

Start with a phase change (In the factory / Turning to …).

Words: 0 (about 50–70 words)

I covered stages 4–6 in order.
I included the temperature, the inputs and the outputs.
I used an ending linker for the last stage.

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.

🔒 The model answers are locked. Enter Password 2 from your teacher: