The Task
The diagram below shows the stages in the production of a cotton T-shirt.
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 growing and picking cotton in a field to selling finished T-shirts in shops.
Phase 1 – From plant to yarn (Stages 1–4)
- 1Growing and pickingCotton is grown and picked by machine.
- 2Ginning*Seeds are removed from the fibres.
- 3TransportThe cotton is pressed into bales and taken to a mill.
- 4SpinningThe fibres are spun into yarn.
Phase 2 – From yarn to T-shirt (Stages 5–8)
- 5Making fabricThe yarn is knitted or woven into fabric.
- 6DyeingThe fabric is dyed.
- 7Cutting and sewingThe fabric is cut and sewn into T-shirts.
- 8Packing and saleThe T-shirts are packed 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 Growing and picking | First + N + is + V3 + in + N + and + V3 + by + N |
| 2 Ginning* | Next + the + N + are + V3 + out of + the + N + by a + N |
| 3 Transport | Then + the + N + is + V3 + into + N + and + V3 + to a + N |
| 4 Spinning | After that + the + N + is + V3 + into + adj + N |
| 5 Making fabric | In the second part + the + N + is + V3 + into + N + on a + N |
| 6 Dyeing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + into + N + to + give it + N |
| 7 Cutting and sewing | Then + the + N + is + V3 and V3 + to + make + N |
| 8 Packing and sale | Finally + the + N + are + V3 + into + N + and + V3 + to + N |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Growing and picking | To begin with + N + is + V3 + in + N, and + it + is + V3 + by + N |
| 2 Ginning* | Next + the + N + is + V3 + into a + N, which + removes + the + N |
| 3 Transport | After that + the + N + is + V3 + into + N, and then + it + is + V3 + to a + N |
| 4 Spinning | At the mill + the + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 5 Making fabric | In the second stage + the + N + is + V3 or V3 + into + N |
| 6 Dyeing | After that + the + N + is + V3 + to + give it + N |
| 7 Cutting and sewing | Then + the + N + is + V3 + into + N, and + the + N + are + V3 + together + to + make + N |
| 8 Packing and sale | Finally + the + N + are + V3 and V3 + to + N + to + be + V3 |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Growing and picking | The process begins with + N + being + V3 + in + N + and + V3 + by + N |
| 2 Ginning* | After this + the + N + is + V3, which means + the + N + are + V3 + from the + N |
| 3 Transport | Following this + the + N + are + V3 + into + N + and + V3 + to a + N |
| 4 Spinning | At the mill + the + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 5 Making fabric | Turning to the second phase + the + N + is + V3 or V3 + into + N |
| 6 Dyeing | S + is then + V3 + in order to + give it + N |
| 7 Cutting and sewing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + into + N, which + are then + V3 + together + to + V + N |
| 8 Packing and sale | In the final stage + the + N + are + V3 and V3 + to + N |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Growing and picking | The process commences with + the + N + of + N, which + is + V3 + adverb |
| 2 Ginning* | It then undergoes + N, a process in which + S + V[are + V3 + from the + N] |
| 3 Transport | S + are subsequently + V3 + into + N + and + V3 + to a + N |
| 4 Spinning | Once + at the + N + the + N + are + V3 + into + N |
| 5 Making fabric | Turning to the second phase + the + N + is + either + V3 or V3 + to produce + adj + N |
| 6 Dyeing | This + N + is then + V3 + to give it the desired colour |
| 7 Cutting and sewing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + into + N, which + are subsequently + V3 + together + to + V + N |
| 8 Packing and sale | Finally + the + adj + N + are + V3 + and + 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, bông được trồng (is grown) trên cánh đồng và được máy hái.
Tiếp theo, hạt được máy lấy ra (are taken out) khỏi bông.
Sau đó, bông được ép thành kiện và chở (taken) đến nhà máy.
Sau đó, bông được làm (is made) thành sợi chỉ dài.
Ở phần thứ hai, sợi chỉ được làm (is made) thành vải trên máy.
Tiếp theo, vải được cho vào thuốc nhuộm để tạo màu (give it colour).
Sau đó, vải được cắt và may (sewn) để làm áo phông.
Cuối cùng, áo phông được cho vào hộp và gửi (sent) đến cửa hàng.
Band 5.5 – 8 sentences
Trước tiên, bông được trồng trên cánh đồng, và nó được hái (is picked) bằng máy.
Tiếp theo, bông được cho vào một cái máy, máy này loại bỏ (removes) hạt.
Sau đó, bông được ép thành kiện, rồi được vận chuyển (is transported) đến nhà máy.
Tại nhà máy, bông được kéo (is spun) thành sợi.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, sợi được đan hoặc dệt (woven) thành vải.
Sau đó, vải được nhuộm (is dyed) để tạo màu.
Sau đó, vải được cắt thành mảnh, và các mảnh được may lại với nhau (sewn together) để làm áo phông.
Cuối cùng, áo phông được đóng gói và gửi đến cửa hàng để được bán (to be sold).
Band 6.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc bông được trồng trên cánh đồng và thu hoạch (harvested) bằng máy.
Sau đó, bông được tỉa hạt, nghĩa là (which means) hạt được tách khỏi sợi bông.
Tiếp sau đó, sợi bông được ép thành kiện (bales) và vận chuyển đến nhà máy.
Tại nhà máy, bông được kéo thành sợi (yarn).
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, sợi được đan hoặc dệt thành vải (fabric).
Vải sau đó được nhuộm nhằm (in order to) tạo màu.
Tiếp theo, vải được cắt thành mảnh, những mảnh này sau đó được may lại để làm (to make) áo phông.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, áo phông được đóng gói và giao (delivered) đến cửa hàng.
Band 7.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc trồng (the cultivation of) bông, loại cây được thu hoạch bằng máy.
Sau đó, bông trải qua công đoạn tỉa hạt, một quá trình trong đó (in which) hạt được tách khỏi sợi.
Sợi bông sau đó được nén (compressed) thành kiện và vận chuyển đến nhà máy.
Khi đã đến nhà máy (Once at the mill), sợi bông được kéo thành sợi chỉ.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, sợi được đan hoặc (either … or) dệt để sản xuất vải bông.
Vải này sau đó được nhuộm để có màu mong muốn (the desired colour).
Tiếp theo, vải được cắt thành mảnh, những mảnh này sau đó được khâu (stitched) lại để tạo thành áo phông.
Cuối cùng, những sản phẩm may mặc (garments) hoàn chỉnh được đóng gói và phân phối đến các nhà bán lẻ.
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.
- , cotton is grown in fields.
- The cotton is picked machines.
- The seeds are taken of the cotton.
- The cotton is pressed bales.
- the second part, the thread is made into cloth.
- The cloth is put into dye give it colour.
- The cloth is cut sewn.
- , the T-shirts 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), bông được trồng trên cánh đồng.
Tiếp theo (Next), hạt được lấy ra khỏi bông.
Sau đó (Then), bông được chở đến nhà máy.
Sau đó (After that), bông được làm thành sợi chỉ.
Cuối cùng (Finally), áo phông 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.
- , cotton is grown in fields.
- The cotton is put into a machine, removes the seeds.
- The cotton is pressed into bales, and it is transported.
- the mill, the cotton is spun into yarn.
- The yarn is knitted woven into fabric.
- The fabric is dyed give it colour.
- The pieces are sewn to make T-shirts.
- , the T-shirts are packed 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), bông được trồng.
Bông được cho vào máy, máy này (which) loại bỏ hạt.
Tại nhà máy (At the mill), bông được kéo thành sợi.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai (In the second stage), sợi được dệt thành vải.
Áo phông được gửi đến cửa hàng để được bán (to be sold).
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 cotton being grown in fields.
- The cotton is ginned, which the seeds are separated.
- this, the fibres are pressed into bales.
- the mill, the cotton is spun into yarn.
- the second phase, the yarn is woven into fabric.
- The fabric is dyed in order give it colour.
- The fabric is cut into pieces, are then sewn together.
- , the T-shirts are packed.
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) bông được trồng.
Bông được tỉa hạt, nghĩa là (which means) hạt được tách ra.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, sợi được dệt thành vải.
Vải được nhuộm nhằm (in order to) tạo màu.
Vải được cắt thành mảnh, những mảnh này (which) sau đó được may lại.
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 cotton.
- The cotton is harvested .
- It then undergoes ginning, a process in the seeds are separated.
- The fibres are into bales.
- The yarn is knitted or woven.
- The fabric is dyed to give it the colour.
- The pieces are together to form T-shirts.
- The finished garments are distributed to .
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 trồng (the cultivation of) bông.
Bông trải qua công đoạn tỉa hạt, một quá trình trong đó (in which) hạt được tách ra.
Khi đã đến nhà máy (Once at the mill), sợi bông được kéo thành sợi chỉ.
Sợi được đan hoặc (either … or) dệt.
Các mảnh vải sau đó (subsequently) được khâu lại.
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 stages in the production of | how | the process of making | the various stages involved in making | the sequence of stages involved in manufacturing |
| a cotton T-shirt | a cotton T-shirt is made | a cotton T-shirt | a cotton T-shirt | a cotton garment such as a T-shirt |
| from growing the cotton to selling the finished product | from the cultivation of the raw material to the distribution of the final product |
The diagram shows how a cotton T-shirt is made.
Band 4.5: changes “the stages in the production of” into “how … is made” – simple and correct.
The diagram illustrates the process of making a cotton T-shirt, from the field to the shop.
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 involved in making a cotton T-shirt, from growing the cotton to selling the finished product.
Band 6.5: a noun phrase with “involved in” and a precise “from … to …” covering the whole process.
The given diagram depicts the sequence of stages involved in manufacturing a cotton garment such as a T-shirt, from the cultivation of the raw material to the distribution of the final product.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), an accurate generalisation (a cotton garment) and balanced nominalisation (the cultivation of … the distribution of …).
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how a cotton T-shirt is made / the production of a cotton T-shirt, from growing the cotton to selling the finished product.
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 “ginning”, “bales” or “dye”).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are eight steps in this process. It starts with growing cotton in fields and finishes with sending T-shirts 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 cotton is grown and turned into yarn, and in the last four stages, the yarn is made into fabric and then into T-shirts. The material changes several times.
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: turning the cotton plant into yarn and turning the yarn into T-shirts. The raw cotton changes form several times, becoming fibre, yarn, fabric and finally clothing.
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, T-shirt production involves eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – the conversion of raw cotton into yarn and the transformation of that yarn into finished garments – with the material changing form repeatedly, from fibre to yarn, fabric and ultimately clothing.
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 (From plant to yarn) → Body 2: Stages 5–8 (From yarn to T-shirt). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- production →
- picked →
- sewn →
- shops →
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, cotton is in fields and picked by machines. Next, the are taken out of the cotton by a machine. Then, the cotton is pressed into and taken to a mill. After that, the cotton is made into long .
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, cotton is grown in fields, and it is by machine. Next, the cotton is put into a machine, removes the seeds. After that, the cotton is pressed into bales, and then it is to a mill. At the mill, the cotton is into yarn.
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 cotton being grown in fields and by machine. After this, the cotton is ginned, which means the seeds are from the fibres. Following this, the fibres are pressed into and transported to a mill. At the mill, the cotton is spun 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 with the of cotton, which is harvested mechanically. It then undergoes , a process in which the seeds are separated from the fibres. The fibres are subsequently into bales and transported to a mill. Once at the mill, the fibres are spun into .
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.