The Task
The diagram below shows how cement is made and then used to produce concrete for building.
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 made of two linked processes: the production of cement, and the use of that cement to make concrete.
Phase 1 – Making cement (Stages 1–5)
- 1CrushingLimestone and clay are crushed into a powder.
- 2MixingThe two powders are mixed together.
- 3HeatingThe mixture is heated in a rotating heater.
- 4GrindingThe heated material is ground into fine powder – cement.
- 5PackingThe cement is packed into bags.
Phase 2 – Making and using concrete (Stages 6–8)
- 6Adding ingredientsThe cement is combined with sand, gravel and water.
- 7Mixing concreteThe materials are mixed in a concrete mixer with a rotating drum.
- 8DeliveryThe concrete is taken to building sites by truck.
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 Crushing | First + N and N + are + V3 + into + adj + N |
| 2 Mixing | Next + N + is + V3 + together |
| 3 Heating | Then + N + is + V3 + in + adj + adj + N + at about + temperature |
| 4 Grinding | After that + it + is + V3 + into + adverb + adj + N, which + is + N |
| 5 Packing | Next + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 6 Adding ingredients | In the second part + N + is + V3 + with + N, N and N |
| 7 Mixing concrete | Then + N + is + V3 + in + N |
| 8 Delivery | Finally + N + is + V3 + to + N + by + N + and + V3 |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Crushing | To begin with + N and N + are + V3 + into + N + and + V3 + into + N |
| 2 Mixing | After that + the two + N + are + V3 + together + in + N |
| 3 Heating | Next + N + is + V3 + to about + temperature + in + adj + N |
| 4 Grinding | Then + V3 + N + is + V3 + into + adj + N, which + is + N |
| 5 Packing | After this + N + is + V3 + into + N + and is + adj + for + N |
| 6 Adding ingredients | In the second process + N + is + V3 + together + with + N, N and N |
| 7 Mixing concrete | Next + these + N + are + V3 + in + N + with + adj + N |
| 8 Delivery | Finally + N + is + V3 + to + N + and + V3 |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Crushing | The first process begins when + N and N + are + V3 + into + adj + N |
| 2 Mixing | Following this + the two + N + are + precise V3 + in + N |
| 3 Heating | Once + V3 + N + passes through + adj + N, where + it + is + V3 + to approximately + temperature |
| 4 Grinding | After this + N + is + V3 + into + adj + N, which + is + the finished + N |
| 5 Packing | To complete the first process + N + is + V3 + into + N, ready for + N |
| 6 Adding ingredients | Turning to + the + N + of + N + N + is + precise V3 + with + N, N and N |
| 7 Mixing concrete | Next + N + are + V3 + in + adj + N + until + they + form + N |
| 8 Delivery | In the final stage + adj + N + is + V3 + to + N + by + N |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Crushing | N + commences with + the + N-ing + of + N and N + into + adj + N |
| 2 Mixing | Subsequently + the two + N + are + adverb + V3 + in + N |
| 3 Heating | Next + the resulting + N + is + V3 + into + adj + N + and + V3 + to roughly + temperature |
| 4 Grinding | Following + N + N + is + V3 + into + adj + N + known as + N |
| 5 Packing | The first process concludes with + the + N + being + V3 + into + N |
| 6 Adding ingredients | Turning to + the + N + of + N + N + is + V3 + with + number + adj + N + – N, N and N |
| 7 Mixing concrete | Subsequently + this + N + is + V3 + in + adj + N, producing + N |
| 8 Delivery | In the final stage + the + adverb + V3 + N + is + V3 + to + N + for + N + in + 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, đá vôi (limestone) và đất sét được nghiền thành mảnh nhỏ.
Tiếp theo, bột được trộn (mixed) với nhau.
Sau đó, hỗn hợp được nung (heated) trong một lò lớn ở khoảng 1.450°C.
Sau đó, nó được nghiền (ground) thành bột rất mịn, đó là xi măng.
Tiếp theo, xi măng được cho vào bao (bags).
Ở phần thứ hai, xi măng được trộn (mixed) với cát, sỏi và nước.
Sau đó, tất cả được trộn trong máy trộn bê tông (concrete mixer).
Cuối cùng, bê tông được chở (taken) đến công trường bằng xe tải và sử dụng.
Band 5.5 – 8 sentences
Trước tiên, đá vôi và đất sét được cho vào máy nghiền (crusher) và nghiền thành bột.
Sau đó, hai loại bột được trộn với nhau trong máy trộn (mixer).
Tiếp theo, hỗn hợp được nung đến khoảng 1.450°C trong một lò quay (rotating heater).
Sau đó, vật liệu đã nung được nghiền thành bột mịn, đó chính là xi măng (cement).
Sau bước này, xi măng được đóng bao và sẵn sàng để sử dụng (ready for use).
Ở quy trình thứ hai, xi măng được kết hợp với cát, sỏi (gravel) và nước.
Tiếp theo, các vật liệu này được trộn trong máy trộn bê tông có thùng quay (rotating drum).
Cuối cùng, bê tông được đưa đến công trường (building sites) và sử dụng.
Band 6.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình thứ nhất bắt đầu khi đá vôi và đất sét được nghiền (crushed) thành bột mịn.
Tiếp theo đó, hai nguyên liệu được pha trộn (blended) trong máy trộn.
Một khi đã trộn xong, bột đi qua lò quay, nơi (where) nó được nung đến khoảng 1.450°C.
Sau bước này, vật liệu được nghiền thành bột mịn, đây là xi măng thành phẩm (finished).
Để hoàn tất quy trình thứ nhất, xi măng được đóng bao (packed), sẵn sàng sử dụng.
Chuyển sang việc sản xuất bê tông (concrete), xi măng được kết hợp với cát, sỏi và nước.
Tiếp theo, các thành phần được trộn trong thùng quay cho đến khi chúng tạo thành (form) bê tông.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, bê tông ướt được chở (delivered) đến công trường bằng xe tải.
Band 7.5 – 8 sentences
Việc sản xuất xi măng bắt đầu với việc nghiền (crushing) đá vôi và đất sét thành bột mịn.
Sau đó, hai loại bột được pha trộn kỹ lưỡng (thoroughly) trong máy trộn.
Tiếp theo, hỗn hợp thu được (resulting) được đưa vào lò quay và nung đến khoảng 1.450°C.
Sau khi nung, vật liệu được nghiền thành bột mịn được gọi là (known as) xi măng.
Quy trình thứ nhất kết thúc với (concludes with) việc xi măng được đóng bao.
Chuyển sang việc sản xuất bê tông, xi măng được kết hợp với ba thành phần (ingredients) khác – cát, sỏi và nước.
Sau đó, hỗn hợp này được khuấy trong máy trộn quay (revolving), tạo ra bê tông.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, bê tông vừa trộn được vận chuyển đến các công trường xây dựng (construction sites) để sử dụng.
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.
- , limestone and clay are crushed.
- Limestone and clay are crushed small pieces.
- , the powder is mixed together.
- The mixture is heated about 1,450°C.
- It is ground into a fine powder, is cement.
- the second part, the cement is mixed with sand.
- , everything is mixed in a concrete mixer.
- , the concrete is taken to building sites.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), đá vôi và đất sét được nghiền.
Tiếp theo (Next), bột được trộn với nhau.
Sau đó (Then), hỗn hợp được nung nóng.
Sau đó (After that), xi măng được trộn với cát và nước.
Cuối cùng (Finally), bê tông được dùng để xây dựng.
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.
- , limestone and clay are put into a crusher.
- They are put into a crusher broken into a powder.
- that, the two powders are mixed together.
- The mixture is heated about 1,450°C.
- The material is ground into powder, is cement.
- the second process, the cement is put together with sand.
- The materials are mixed in a mixer a rotating drum.
- , the concrete is taken to building sites.
Part B – Translate with Band 5.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Trước tiên (To begin with), đá vôi và đất sét được cho vào máy nghiền.
Sau đó (After that), hai loại bột được trộn với nhau.
Vật liệu được nghiền thành bột mịn, đó (which) là xi măng.
Ở quy trình thứ hai (In the second process), xi măng được trộn với cát.
Các vật liệu được trộn trong máy có (with) thùng quay.
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 first process begins limestone and clay are crushed.
- The two materials are blended a mixer.
- mixed, the powder passes through a rotating heater.
- The powder passes through a heater, it is heated.
- complete the first process, the cement is packed.
- the production of concrete, the cement is combined with sand.
- The ingredients are mixed they form concrete.
- , the concrete is delivered to building sites.
Part B – Translate with Band 6.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Quy trình thứ nhất bắt đầu khi (when) đá vôi được nghiền.
Một khi (Once) đã trộn xong, bột đi qua lò quay.
Bột đi qua lò quay, nơi mà (where) nó được nung nóng.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) việc sản xuất bê tông, xi măng được trộn với cát.
Các thành phần được trộn cho đến khi (until) chúng tạo thành bê tông.
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.
- Cement production commences the crushing of limestone and clay.
- , the two powders are thoroughly blended.
- The mixture is fed into a rotating heater.
- heating, the material is ground into a fine powder.
- The fine powder is as cement.
- The first process with the cement being packed into bags.
- The combination is churned in a mixer, concrete.
- The concrete is transported to sites use in building.
Part B – Translate with Band 7.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Việc sản xuất xi măng bắt đầu với (commences with) việc nghiền đá vôi.
Sau khi nung (Following heating), vật liệu được nghiền thành bột.
Quy trình thứ nhất kết thúc với (concludes with) việc xi măng được đóng bao.
Hỗn hợp được khuấy trong máy trộn, tạo ra (producing) bê tông.
Quá trình kết thúc bằng (culminating in) việc vận chuyển bê tông đến công trường.
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 cement is made | how cement is made | how cement is produced | the stages in the production of cement | the two-stage process by which cement is manufactured |
| and then used to produce concrete | and how it is used to make concrete | and how it is then used to make concrete | and the way in which it is used to make concrete | and subsequently used to produce concrete |
| for building | for building | for building | for the building industry | for construction |
The diagram shows how cement is made and how it is used to make concrete for building.
Band 4.5: copies most of the task words; only a small change (how it is used to make).
The diagram illustrates how cement is produced and how it is then used to make concrete for building.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates) and two clear how-clauses with a synonym (produced).
The diagram illustrates the stages in the production of cement and the way in which it is used to make concrete for the building industry.
Band 6.5: a nominal phrase (the stages in the production of), a the-way-in-which clause and an accurate collocation (the building industry).
The given diagram depicts the two-stage process by which cement is manufactured and subsequently used to produce concrete for construction.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), a compound adjective (two-stage), a by-which clause and an accurate synonym (construction).
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how cement is produced / the stages in the production of cement and how it is then used / the way in which it is used to make concrete for building / construction.
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 “1,450°C”, “limestone”, “clay”, “sand”, “gravel” or “water”).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are eight steps in this process. It starts with crushing limestone and clay and finishes with using concrete for building.
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. The first five stages produce cement, and the last three use the cement to make concrete. The process begins with crushing limestone and clay and ends with the concrete being used on building sites.
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 eight stages in the process, which can be divided into two main phases: the production of cement and the production of concrete. The process begins with the crushing of limestone and clay and ends with the delivery of concrete to building sites.
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 eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – cement manufacture and concrete production – commencing with the crushing of limestone and clay and culminating in the transportation of concrete to construction sites.
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 1–5 (Making cement) → Body 2: Stages 6–8 (Making and using concrete). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- made →
- produce →
- building →
- below →
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, two materials, limestone and , are crushed into small pieces by a machine. Next, the powder is together. Then, the mixture is heated in a big hot oven at about °C. After that, it is into a very fine powder, which is cement. Next, the cement is put into .
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 4.5)
Choose 1–4 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, limestone and clay are put into a and broken into a powder. After that, the two powders are mixed together in a . Next, the mixture is heated to about 1,450°C in a heater. Then, the heated material is into a fine powder, which is .
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 5.5)
Choose 1–3 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 first process begins limestone and clay are crushed into a fine powder. Following this, the two materials are in a mixer. mixed, the powder passes through a rotating heater, it is heated to approximately 1,450°C. After this, the material is ground into a fine powder, which is the cement.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 6.5)
Choose 1–3 for each sentence.
Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 7.5)
Type ONE word in each gap. Look at the diagram for the details.
Cement production commences with the of limestone and clay into a fine powder. Subsequently, the two powders are blended in a mixer. Next, the resulting mixture is into a rotating heater and heated to roughly 1,450°C. Following heating, the material is ground into the fine powder as cement. The first process with the cement being packed into bags.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 7.5)
Choose 1–3 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 1–5)
Write the stages in order with a different linker for each.
Words: 0 (about 55–75 words)
Exercise 8 – Body 2 (Stages 6–8)
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.