The Task
The diagram below shows how honey is collected from beehives and prepared for sale.
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 honey made by bees in the hive to labelled jars ready for sale.
Phase 1 – Taking honey from the hive (Stages 1–4)
- 1Bees make honeyBees make honey in the hive and cap the cells with wax.
- 2Removing framesThe frames are taken out of the hive.
- 3UncappingThe wax caps are cut off with a hot knife.
- 4ExtractingThe frames are spun in a centrifuge to remove the honey.
Phase 2 – Cleaning and packaging (Stages 5–8)
- 5FilteringThe honey is filtered to remove bits of wax.
- 6SettlingThe honey is left in a tank so air bubbles rise.
- 7BottlingThe honey is poured into jars.
- 8Labelling and saleThe jars are labelled and sold.
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 Bees make honey | First + N + make + N + in the + N + and close + the + N + with + N |
| 2 Removing frames | Next + the + N + uses + N + to + calm + the + N + and takes + the + N + out of the + N |
| 3 Uncapping | Then + the + N + N + are + V3 + off + with a + adj + N. This + N + is + V3 + to + make + N |
| 4 Extracting | After that + the + N + are + V3 + into a + N + that + spins + them, and + the + N + comes out |
| 5 Filtering | In the second part + the + N + is + V3, and + adj + N + of + N + are + V3 + out |
| 6 Settling | Next + the + N + is + V3 + in a + N + for + time, and + N + N + go up to + the + N |
| 7 Bottling | Then + the + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 8 Labelling and sale | Finally + N + are + V3 + on the + N, and + they + are + V3 + to + N |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Bees make honey | To begin with + N + produce + N + in the + N + and seal + the + N + with + N |
| 2 Removing frames | Next + N + is + V3 + to + calm + the + N, and + the + N + are + V3 + from the + N |
| 3 Uncapping | After that + the + N + N + are + V3 + off + with a + adj + N, and + the + N + is + V3 + to + make + N |
| 4 Extracting | Next + the + N + are + V3 + in a + N, which + spins + them + to + remove + the + N |
| 5 Filtering | In the second stage + the + N + is + V3 + to + remove + adj + N + of + N |
| 6 Settling | After that + the + N + is + V3 + in a + N + for + time + so that + N + N + rise to + the + N |
| 7 Bottling | Then + the + adj + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 8 Labelling and sale | Finally + the + N + are + V3 and V3 + to + N |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Bees make honey | The process begins when + N + produce + N + in the + N + and + seal + the + N + with + N |
| 2 Removing frames | After this + the + N + are + V3 + from the + N, with + N + being + V3 + to + V + the + N |
| 3 Uncapping | Following this + the + N + N + are + V3 + off + with a + adj + N, and + this + N + is + adverb + V3 + into + N |
| 4 Extracting | S + are then + V3 + in a + N, which + spins them + adverb + to + V + the + N |
| 5 Filtering | Turning to the second phase + the + N + is + V3 + in order to + remove + any + adj + N + of + N |
| 6 Settling | Next + the + N + is + V3 + to + V + in a + N + for + time, during which + N + N + rise to + the + N |
| 7 Bottling | After this + the + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 8 Labelling and sale | In the final stage + the + N + are + V3 and V3 + to + N |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Bees make honey | The process commences inside the hive, where + N + produce + N + and + seal it in + N + with + N + N |
| 2 Removing frames | Once + S + have been + V3 + with + N + the + N + are + V3 + out of the + N |
| 3 Uncapping | The + N + N + are then + V3 + off + using a + adj + N, with + the + N + being + V3 + to + V + N |
| 4 Extracting | Next + the + N + is + V3 + by + V-ing + the + N + in a + N |
| 5 Filtering | Turning to the second phase + the + N + is + V3 + so that + any + adj + N + of + N + can be + V3 |
| 6 Settling | S + is subsequently + V3 + to + V + in a + N + for + time, allowing + N + N + to + V + to the + N |
| 7 Bottling | Once + V3 + the + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 8 Labelling and sale | 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, ong làm (make) mật trong tổ và bịt kín các ô bằng sáp.
Tiếp theo, người nuôi ong dùng khói để làm ong dịu lại và lấy (takes) các khung ra khỏi tổ.
Sau đó, nắp sáp được cắt bỏ (are cut off) bằng dao nóng. Sáp này được dùng để làm nến.
Sau đó, các khung được cho vào một cái máy quay (spins) chúng, và mật chảy ra.
Ở phần thứ hai, mật được lọc, và những mảnh sáp nhỏ được lấy ra (are taken out).
Tiếp theo, mật được để (is left) trong bồn hai ngày, và bọt khí nổi lên trên.
Sau đó, mật được cho (is put) vào lọ.
Cuối cùng, nhãn được dán lên lọ, và chúng được gửi (are sent) đến cửa hàng.
Band 5.5 – 8 sentences
Trước tiên, ong tạo ra (produce) mật trong tổ và bịt kín các ô bằng sáp.
Tiếp theo, khói được dùng để làm ong dịu lại, và các khung được lấy ra (are removed) khỏi tổ.
Sau đó, nắp sáp được cắt bỏ bằng dao nóng, và sáp được dùng để làm nến (candles).
Tiếp theo, các khung được đặt vào máy ly tâm, máy này (which) quay chúng để lấy mật ra.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, mật được lọc (is filtered) để loại bỏ những mảnh sáp nhỏ.
Sau đó, mật được giữ trong bồn hai ngày để (so that) bọt khí nổi lên trên.
Sau đó, mật trong được rót (is poured) vào lọ.
Cuối cùng, các lọ được dán nhãn (are labelled) và gửi đến cửa hàng.
Band 6.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu khi ong tạo ra mật trong tổ và bịt kín (seal) các ô bằng sáp.
Sau đó, các khung được lấy ra khỏi tổ, với khói được dùng để làm ong dịu lại (calm).
Tiếp sau đó, nắp sáp được cắt bỏ bằng dao nóng, và sáp này sau đó được làm thành (made into) nến.
Các khung sau đó được đặt vào máy ly tâm, máy này quay nhanh để chiết (extract) mật.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, mật được lọc nhằm (in order to) loại bỏ mọi mảnh sáp nhỏ.
Tiếp theo, mật được để lắng (left to settle) trong bồn hai ngày, trong thời gian đó bọt khí nổi lên bề mặt.
Sau bước này, mật được rót vào lọ (jars).
Ở giai đoạn cuối, các lọ được dán nhãn và giao (delivered) đến cửa hàng.
Band 7.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu bên trong tổ, nơi (where) ong tạo ra mật và bịt kín nó trong các ô bằng nắp sáp.
Một khi ong đã được làm dịu (have been calmed) bằng khói, các khung được nhấc ra khỏi tổ.
Nắp sáp sau đó được cắt lát bằng dao được làm nóng, với phần sáp được tái sử dụng (reused) để làm nến.
Tiếp theo, mật được chiết xuất bằng cách quay (by spinning) các khung trong máy ly tâm.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, mật được lọc để mọi mảnh sáp còn sót lại (fragments of wax) có thể được loại bỏ.
Mật sau đó được để lắng trong bồn hai ngày, cho phép (allowing) bọt khí nổi lên bề mặt.
Một khi đã lắng (Once settled), mật được chuyển vào lọ.
Cuối cùng, các lọ 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.
- , bees make honey in the hive.
- The beekeeper uses smoke calm the bees.
- The wax caps are cut off a hot knife.
- The frames are put into a machine spins them.
- the second part, the honey is filtered.
- The honey is left in a tank two days.
- The honey is put jars.
- , labels are put on the jars.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), ong làm mật trong tổ.
Tiếp theo (Next), người nuôi ong lấy khung ra.
Sau đó (Then), nắp sáp được cắt bỏ.
Sau đó (After that), mật chảy ra.
Cuối cùng (Finally), các lọ 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.
- , bees produce honey in the hive.
- Smoke is used to calm the bees, and the frames removed.
- The wax caps are cut with a hot knife.
- The frames are placed in a centrifuge, spins them.
- The honey is filtered remove small pieces of wax.
- The honey is kept in a tank so air bubbles rise.
- The clear honey is into jars.
- , the jars 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), ong tạo ra mật trong tổ.
Các khung được đặt vào máy ly tâm, máy này (which) quay chúng.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai (In the second stage), mật được lọc.
Mật được giữ trong bồn để (so that) bọt khí nổi lên.
Cuối cùng (Finally), các lọ được dán nhãn.
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 bees produce honey in the hive.
- The frames are removed, smoke being used to calm the bees.
- The wax is later made candles.
- The centrifuge spins the frames quickly to the honey.
- the second phase, the honey is filtered.
- The honey is left to in a tank.
- Air bubbles rise, which time the honey settles.
- , the jars 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 khi (when) ong tạo ra mật.
Các khung được lấy ra, với (with) khói được dùng để làm ong dịu.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, mật được lọc.
Mật được để lắng, trong thời gian đó (during which) bọt khí nổi lên.
Ở giai đoạn cuối (In the final stage), các lọ được dán nhãn.
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 inside the hive, bees produce honey.
- Once the bees have been with smoke, the frames are lifted out.
- The wax caps are off using a heated knife.
- The wax is to make candles.
- The honey is extracted by the frames in a centrifuge.
- Any remaining of wax can be removed.
- The tank allows air bubbles to rise to the .
- The jars 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 bên trong tổ, nơi (where) ong tạo ra mật.
Một khi ong đã được làm dịu (Once … have been calmed), các khung được nhấc ra.
Mật được chiết xuất bằng cách (by) quay khung trong máy ly tâm.
Mật được để lắng, cho phép (allowing) bọt khí nổi lên.
Các lọ 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 |
| how honey is collected | how honey is taken | the process of collecting honey | the various stages involved in collecting honey | the sequence of stages through which honey passes |
| from beehives | from beehives | from beehives | from beehives | from the hive |
| and prepared for sale | and made ready for sale | and preparing it for sale | and preparing it for sale | to the point where it is ready for sale |
The diagram shows how honey is taken from beehives and made ready for sale.
Band 4.5: changes “collected” to “taken” and “prepared” to “made ready” – simple and correct.
The diagram illustrates the process of collecting honey from beehives and preparing it for sale.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates) and -ing noun phrases (collecting … preparing).
The diagram illustrates the various stages involved in collecting honey from beehives and preparing it for sale.
Band 6.5: a noun phrase with “involved in” and parallel -ing forms (collecting … preparing).
The given diagram depicts the sequence of stages through which honey passes from the hive to the point where it is ready for sale.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), a “through which” relative clause and a sophisticated end-point (to the point where it is ready for sale).
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how honey is taken / the process of collecting honey from beehives and made ready / prepared for sale.
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 “hot knife”, “two days” or “candles”).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are eight steps in this process. It starts with bees making honey in the hive and finishes with sending jars of honey to shops. The wax is also used.
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 honey is taken out of the hive, and in the last four stages, it is cleaned and put into jars for sale. The wax from the hive is also used to make candles.
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: taking the honey from the hive and cleaning and packaging it. It is also worth noting that the wax removed from the frames is used to make candles.
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, honey production involves eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – the extraction of honey from the hive and its subsequent purification and packaging – and it is notable that the wax removed during the process is reused 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 (Taking honey from the hive) → Body 2: Stages 5–8 (Cleaning and packaging). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- collected →
- prepared →
- removed →
- put into →
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, bees make in the hive and close the cells with . Next, the beekeeper uses to calm the bees and takes the frames out of the hive. Then, the wax caps are cut off with a hot . This wax is used to make candles.
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, bees honey in the hive and seal the cells with wax. Next, smoke is used to the bees, and the frames are from the hive. After that, the wax caps are cut off with a hot knife, and the wax is used to make .
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 when bees produce honey in the hive and the cells with wax. After this, the frames are from the hive, with smoke being used to calm the bees. Following this, the wax caps are cut off with a hot knife, and this wax is later made into . The frames are then placed in a centrifuge, which spins them quickly to the honey.
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 inside the hive, where bees produce honey and it in cells with wax caps. Once the bees have been with smoke, the frames are lifted out of the hive. The wax caps are then off using a heated knife, with the wax being to make candles. Next, the honey is extracted by spinning the frames in a centrifuge.
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.