Honeybee Life Cycle – STUDENT'S EDITION

The Task

The diagram below shows the life cycle of a worker honeybee, from egg to forager.

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 8 stages. It is a natural process (a life cycle) shown as a linear sequence for one worker bee – from an egg laid by the queen to a forager collecting food.

Phase 1 – Development inside the cell (Stages 1–5)

1
Egg layingThe queen lays an egg in a wax cell.
2
HatchingThe egg hatches into a larva.
3
Fed by nurse beesNurse bees feed the larva.
4
Cell capped by workersWorkers seal the cell with wax.
5
PupationThe pupa develops in the sealed cell.

Phase 2 – Adult life (Stages 6–8)

6
EmergingThe adult bee leaves the cell.
7
Working in the hiveCleaning cells, feeding larvae.
8
ForagingCollecting food outside the hive.

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 Egg laying	First + N + lays + N + in + N
2 Hatching	Next + after about + time + N + becomes + adj + N
3 Fed by nurse bees	Then + adj + N + give + N + N, N and N + for about + time
4 Cell capped by workers	After that + adj + N + cover + N + with + N
5 Pupation	Next + N + changes into + N + and stays + in + adj + N + for about + time
6 Emerging	In the second part + adj + N + comes out of + N + on about + day
7 Working in the hive	After that + it + works + in + N + for about + time + and cleans + N
8 Foraging	Finally + it + flies out of + N + to + V + N and N + from + N

Stage	Band 5.5 formula
1 Egg laying	To begin with + N + lays + a single + N + in + adj + N
2 Hatching	After about + time + N + hatches into + N
3 Fed by nurse bees	Next + N + is + V3 + with + N, N and N + by + agent + for about + time
4 Cell capped by workers	After that + N + is + V3 + with + N + by + agent
5 Pupation	Then + N + turns into + N, which + develops + inside + adj + N + for about + time
6 Emerging	In the adult stage + adj + N + comes out of + N + on about + day
7 Working in the hive	After that + it + works + inside + N + for about + time, where + it + cleans + N and feeds + adj + N
8 Foraging	Finally + it + becomes + N + and flies out + to + V + N and N

Stage	Band 6.5 formula
1 Egg laying	The cycle begins when + N + precise V(s) + N + in + adj + N
2 Hatching	Approximately + time + later + N + hatches into + adj + N
3 Fed by nurse bees	During the following + time + N + is + precise V3 + by + agent, which + supply it with + N and then N and N
4 Cell capped by workers	Once + S + is + adverb + adj + N + is + precise V3 + with + N + by + agent
5 Pupation	Inside the + adj + N + N + develops into + N, a stage which + V + around + time
6 Emerging	Turning to the adult phase + adj + N + emerges from + N + on around + day
7 Working in the hive	For approximately + time + it + remains + inside + N, where + it + cleans + N and tends + N
8 Foraging	In the final stage + N + becomes + N, which + collects + N and N + from + N and brings + them + back to + N

Stage	Band 7.5 formula
1 Egg laying	The life cycle commences with + N + V-ing + a single + N + in + adj + N
2 Hatching	Roughly + time + later + this + N + hatches into + adj + N, marking the start of + N
3 Fed by nurse bees	Over the next + time + N + is + V3 + by + agent, initially with + N and subsequently with + N and N
4 Cell capped by workers	Once + adverb + adj + N + is + V3 + inside + N + beneath + N + by + agent
5 Pupation	V3 + beneath + this + N (reduced clause) + it + undergoes + metamorphosis into + N, a stage + V-ing + roughly + time
6 Emerging	Turning to the adult phase + the + adverb + V3 + N + emerges from + N + on around + day
7 Working in the hive	For approximately the next + time + it + remains + inside + N, performing + N + such as + V-ing and V-ing
8 Foraging	In the final stage + N + becomes + N, V-ing participle + out of + N + to + V + N and 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 – 8 sentences

1

Đầu tiên, ong chúa đẻ (lays) một quả trứng vào một ô sáp.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: lays

2

Tiếp theo, sau khoảng ba ngày, quả trứng trở thành (becomes) một ấu trùng nhỏ.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: becomes

3

Sau đó, ong bảo mẫu cho ấu trùng ăn sữa ong chúa (royal jelly), phấn hoa và mật ong khoảng sáu ngày.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: give

4

Sau đó, ong thợ phủ (cover) ô sáp bằng sáp.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: cover

5

Tiếp theo, ấu trùng biến thành nhộng và ở trong ô đã đóng (closed) khoảng 12 ngày.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: changes, stays

6

Ở phần thứ hai, con ong mới chui ra (comes out) khỏi ô vào khoảng ngày thứ 21.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: comes out

7

Sau đó, nó làm việc (works) trong tổ khoảng ba tuần và dọn dẹp các ô.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: works, cleans

8

Cuối cùng, nó bay ra khỏi tổ để thu thập mật hoa (nectar) và phấn hoa từ những bông hoa.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + to V (mục đích)

Band 5.5 – 8 sentences

1

Trước tiên, ong chúa đẻ một quả trứng duy nhất (single) vào một ô sáp nhỏ.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: lays

2

Sau khoảng ba ngày, quả trứng nở (hatches) thành ấu trùng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: hatches

3

Tiếp theo, ấu trùng được ong bảo mẫu cho ăn (fed) sữa ong chúa, phấn hoa và mật ong trong khoảng sáu ngày.

Hiện tại đơn BỊ ĐỘNG: is fed

4

Sau đó, ô sáp được ong thợ phủ một lớp nắp (cap) bằng sáp.

Hiện tại đơn bị động: is covered

5

Sau đó, ấu trùng biến thành nhộng, nhộng phát triển (develops) bên trong ô đã đóng khoảng mười hai ngày.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

6

Ở giai đoạn trưởng thành, con ong non chui ra khỏi ô vào khoảng ngày (day) thứ 21.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: comes out

7

Sau đó, nó làm việc bên trong tổ khoảng ba tuần, nơi (where) nó dọn dẹp các ô và cho ấu trùng ăn.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where

8

Cuối cùng, nó trở thành ong kiếm ăn (forager) và bay ra ngoài để thu thập mật hoa và phấn hoa.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + to V (mục đích)

Band 6.5 – 8 sentences

1

Chu trình bắt đầu khi ong chúa đặt (deposits) một quả trứng vào một ô sáp hình lục giác.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề when

2

Khoảng ba ngày sau, quả trứng nở thành một ấu trùng (larva).

Hiện tại đơn chủ động; cụm hatches into

3

Trong sáu ngày tiếp theo, ấu trùng được ong bảo mẫu nuôi dưỡng (nourished), những con ong này cung cấp cho nó sữa ong chúa rồi phấn hoa và mật ong.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + mệnh đề which (chủ động)

4

Một khi ấu trùng đã lớn hoàn toàn, ô sáp được ong thợ bịt kín (sealed) bằng nắp sáp.

Once + Hiện tại đơn + Hiện tại đơn bị động

5

Bên trong ô đã bịt kín, ấu trùng phát triển thành nhộng, một giai đoạn kéo dài (lasts) khoảng mười hai ngày.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + cụm danh từ tóm tắt

6

Chuyển sang giai đoạn trưởng thành, con ong thợ mới chui ra (emerges) khỏi ô vào khoảng ngày thứ 21.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: emerges

7

Trong khoảng ba tuần, nó ở lại bên trong tổ, nơi nó dọn dẹp các ô và chăm sóc (tends) ấu trùng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where

8

Ở giai đoạn cuối, con ong trở thành ong kiếm ăn, con ong này thu thập mật hoa và phấn hoa rồi mang (brings) chúng về tổ.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

Band 7.5 – 8 sentences

1

Vòng đời bắt đầu với việc ong chúa đặt một quả trứng duy nhất vào một ô sáp hình lục giác (hexagonal).

commences with + N + V-ing

2

Khoảng ba ngày sau, quả trứng này nở thành một ấu trùng, đánh dấu (marking) sự bắt đầu quá trình phát triển.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + V-ing chỉ kết quả

3

Trong sáu ngày tiếp theo, ấu trùng được ong bảo mẫu nuôi dưỡng, ban đầu (initially) bằng sữa ong chúa và sau đó bằng phấn hoa và mật ong.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + cặp trạng từ initially … subsequently

4

Một khi đã lớn hoàn toàn, ấu trùng được ong thợ bịt kín bên trong ô của nó, bên dưới (beneath) một nắp sáp.

Once + tính từ (rút gọn) + Hiện tại đơn bị động

5

Ẩn mình bên dưới nắp sáp, nó trải qua quá trình biến thái (metamorphosis) thành nhộng, một giai đoạn kéo dài khoảng mười hai ngày.

Mệnh đề rút gọn bị động + Hiện tại đơn chủ động

6

Chuyển sang giai đoạn trưởng thành, ong thợ đã phát triển hoàn chỉnh chui ra (emerges) khỏi ô của nó vào khoảng ngày thứ 21.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

7

Trong khoảng ba tuần tiếp theo, nó ở lại trong tổ, thực hiện các nhiệm vụ (duties) như dọn dẹp ô và chăm sóc ấu trùng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + cụm phân từ (performing …)

8

Ở giai đoạn cuối, con ong trở thành ong kiếm ăn, mạo hiểm (venturing) bay ra khỏi tổ để thu thập mật hoa và phấn hoa.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + cụm phân từ (venturing …) + to V

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.

, the queen bee lays an egg.
The queen lays an egg a wax cell.
, the egg becomes a small larva.
Nurse bees feed the larva about six days.
, worker bees cover the cell with wax.
the second part, the new bee comes out of the cell.
The bee works in the hive cleans cells.
, it flies out to collect nectar and pollen.

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

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

1

Đầu tiên (First), ong chúa đẻ một quả trứng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

First, the queen lays an egg.

2

Tiếp theo (Next), trứng trở thành ấu trùng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Next, the egg becomes a larva.

3

Sau đó (Then), ong bảo mẫu cho ấu trùng ăn.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Then, nurse bees feed the larva.

4

Sau đó (After that), con ong mới chui ra khỏi ô.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

After that, the new bee comes out of the cell.

5

Cuối cùng (Finally), con ong bay ra ngoài kiếm ăn.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Finally, the bee flies out to find food.

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.

, the queen bee lays a single egg.
about three days, the egg hatches into a larva.
The larva is fed nurse bees.
The cell is covered a wax cap.
The larva turns into a pupa, develops inside the cell.
the adult stage, the young bee comes out of the cell.
It works inside the hive, it cleans cells.
, it becomes a forager.

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), ong chúa đẻ một quả trứng vào ô sáp.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

To begin with, the queen lays an egg in a wax cell.

2

Ấu trùng được ong bảo mẫu (by) cho ăn.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + by + tác nhân

The larva is fed by nurse bees.

3

Ấu trùng biến thành nhộng, nhộng này (which) phát triển trong ô.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

The larva turns into a pupa, which develops in the cell.

4

Ở giai đoạn trưởng thành (In the adult stage), con ong non chui ra.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

In the adult stage, the young bee comes out.

5

Nó làm việc trong tổ, nơi mà (where) nó dọn dẹp các ô.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where

It works in the hive, where it cleans the cells.

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 the queen deposits an egg.
three days later, the egg hatches.
The larva is nourished by nurse bees, supply it with royal jelly.
the larva is fully grown, the cell is sealed.
The larva becomes a pupa, a stage lasts twelve days.
the adult phase, the new worker emerges.
It remains in the hive, it cleans cells.
, the bee becomes a forager.

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) ong chúa đặt một quả trứng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề when

The cycle begins when the queen deposits an egg.

2

Ấu trùng được ong bảo mẫu nuôi, những con ong này (which) cho nó sữa ong chúa.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + mệnh đề which

The larva is nourished by nurse bees, which give it royal jelly.

3

Một khi (Once) ấu trùng lớn hoàn toàn, ô được bịt kín.

Once + Hiện tại đơn + bị động

Once the larva is fully grown, the cell is sealed.

4

Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn trưởng thành, con ong mới chui ra.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Turning to the adult phase, the new bee emerges.

5

Nó ở lại trong tổ, nơi mà (where) nó chăm sóc ấu trùng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where

It remains in the hive, where it tends the larvae.

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 life cycle commences the queen depositing a single egg.
three days later, the egg hatches into a larva.
The larva is nourished, with royal jelly.
beneath this cap, it undergoes metamorphosis.
The fully formed worker from its cell.
It remains in the hive, duties such as cleaning cells.
The bee becomes a forager, out of the hive.
The forager gathers nectar pollen.

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

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

1

Vòng đời bắt đầu với (commences with) việc ong chúa đặt một quả trứng.

commences with + N + V-ing

The life cycle commences with the queen depositing an egg.

2

Ấu trùng được nuôi, ban đầu (initially) bằng sữa ong chúa.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + initially

The larva is nourished, initially with royal jelly.

3

Ẩn mình (Concealed) dưới nắp sáp, nó biến thành nhộng.

Rút gọn bị động + Hiện tại đơn

Concealed beneath the cap, it turns into a pupa.

4

Nó ở lại trong tổ, thực hiện (performing) các nhiệm vụ như dọn ô.

Hiện tại đơn + cụm phân từ

It remains in the hive, performing duties such as cleaning cells.

5

Con ong trở thành ong kiếm ăn, mạo hiểm (venturing) bay ra khỏi tổ.

Hiện tại đơn + cụm phân từ

The bee becomes a forager, venturing out of the hive.

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 life cycle	the life cycle	the stages in the life	the different stages in the life	the successive stages of development
of a worker honeybee	of a worker bee	of a worker bee	of a female worker bee	of a female worker in a honeybee colony
from egg to forager	from an egg to a bee that collects food from flowers	from the egg stage to the time when it collects food	from the laying of an egg to its role as a forager	tracing its progression from a single egg to its eventual role as a forager

Tip: “forager” is a technical word – keep it, or explain it: a bee that collects nectar and pollen outside the hive. Worker bees are female, so “a female worker bee” is an accurate paraphrase.

Sample Introduction – Band 4.5

The diagram shows the life cycle of a worker bee, from an egg to a bee that collects food from flowers.

Band 4.5: copies the task words and explains “forager” in simple words.

Sample Introduction – Band 5.5

The diagram illustrates the stages in the life of a worker bee, from the egg stage to the time when it collects food outside the hive.

Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a simple noun phrase and a time clause that explains “forager”.

Sample Introduction – Band 6.5

The diagram illustrates the different stages in the life of a female worker bee, from the laying of an egg to its role as a forager.

Band 6.5: an accurate paraphrase (a female worker bee) and nominalisation (the laying of an egg, its role as a forager).

Sample Introduction – Band 7.5

The given diagram depicts the successive stages of development of a female worker in a honeybee colony, tracing its progression from a single egg to its eventual role as a forager.

Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), academic noun phrase (the successive stages of development), a participle clause (tracing its progression …) and the technical word forager used naturally.

Template for students

The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts the life cycle / the stages in the life of a worker bee / a female worker bee, from the egg stage to its role as a forager.

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 “3 days”, “6 days”, “12 days”, “day 21” or “3 weeks”).

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 eight steps in this life cycle. It starts with the queen laying an egg and finishes with the bee collecting food outside the hive.

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, there are eight stages in the life cycle. The first five stages happen inside a wax cell, and the last three show the adult life of the bee. The cycle begins with the queen laying an egg and ends with the bee collecting food outside the hive.

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, there are eight stages in the life cycle, which can be divided into two main phases: development inside the cell and adult life. The cycle begins with the queen laying an egg and ends with the bee collecting food outside the hive.

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 life cycle comprises eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – development inside a wax cell and adult life – commencing with the laying of an egg and culminating in the gathering of nectar and pollen.

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 (Development inside the cell) → Body 2: Stages 6–8 (Adult life). Your writing is saved on this device.

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.

shows →
life cycle →
worker honeybee →
forager →
below →

Exercise 2 – Choose the best Overview

Which sentence is a good overview?

A. Overall, the egg hatches after three days and the pupa develops for twelve days.B. Overall, there are eight stages in two phases, from the laying of an egg to the collection of food outside the hive.C. Overall, bees are the most hard-working insects in nature.

Why? A gives details (3 days, 12 days) – these belong in the Body. C is a personal opinion – never in Task 1. B gives the number of stages, the two phases, and the start and end.

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 4.5)

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

First, the queen bee an egg in a wax cell. Next, after about three days, the egg becomes a small . Then, nurse bees give the larva royal jelly, pollen and for about six days. After that, worker bees cover the cell with . Next, the larva changes into a and stays in the closed cell for about 12 days.

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

Choose 1–3 for each sentence.

Finally, it flies out of the hive to collect nectar and pollen from flowers.

In the second part, the new bee comes out of the cell on about day 21.

After that, it works in the hive for about three weeks and cleans cells.

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 5.5)

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

To begin with, the queen bee lays a egg in a small wax cell. After about three days, the egg into a larva. Next, the larva is fed with royal jelly, pollen and honey nurse bees for about six days. After that, the cell is covered with a wax by worker bees. Then, the larva turns into a pupa, develops inside the closed cell for about twelve days.

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

Choose 1–3 for each sentence.

Finally, it becomes a forager and flies out to collect nectar and pollen.

In the adult stage, the young bee comes out of the cell on about day 21.

After that, it works inside the hive for about three weeks, where it cleans cells and feeds young larvae.

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 6.5)

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

The cycle begins the queen deposits an egg in a hexagonal wax cell. Approximately three days later, the egg hatches a larva. During the following six days, the larva is by nurse bees, which supply it with royal jelly and then pollen and honey. the larva is fully grown, the cell is with a wax cap by worker bees.

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

Choose 1–3 for each sentence.

Turning to the adult phase, the new worker emerges from the cell on around day 21.

In the final stage, the bee becomes a forager, which collects nectar and pollen from flowers and brings them back to the hive.

For approximately three weeks, it remains inside the hive, where it cleans cells and tends larvae.

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 7.5)

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

The life cycle commences with the queen a single egg in a hexagonal wax cell. Roughly three days later, this egg hatches a larva, which is nourished by nurse bees over the next six days, with royal jelly and subsequently with pollen and honey. Once fully grown, the larva is sealed inside its cell beneath a wax cap. Concealed beneath this cap, it undergoes into a pupa, a stage roughly twelve days.

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

Choose 1–3 for each sentence.

For approximately the next three weeks, it remains inside the hive, performing duties such as cleaning cells and tending larvae.

Turning to the adult phase, the fully formed worker emerges from its cell on around day 21.

In the final stage, the bee becomes a forager, venturing out of the hive to gather nectar and pollen.

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 1–5)

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

Words: 0 (about 55–75 words)

I covered stages 1–5 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 6–8)

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

Words: 0 (about 50–70 words)

I covered stages 6–8 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:

The Life Cycle of a Worker Honeybee

The Task

1How many stages? Name them.

Phase 1 – Development inside the cell (Stages 1–5)

Phase 2 – Adult life (Stages 6–8)

3Sentence Formulas

4Linkers – Sequencing Words & Transitions

Beginning

Next step

Ending

Joining

Beginning

Next step

Change of place / phase

Ending

Joining

Beginning

Next step

Time clauses

Inside a stage

Change of phase

Ending

Beginning

Time

Next step

Result phrases

Naming

Ending

5Translation Practice – Vietnamese → English

Band 4.5 – 8 sentences

Band 5.5 – 8 sentences

Band 6.5 – 8 sentences

Band 7.5 – 8 sentences

6Linker Practice

Part A – Band 4.5 linkers (8 sentences)

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

Part A – Band 5.5 linkers (8 sentences)

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

Part A – Band 6.5 linkers (8 sentences)

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

Part A – Band 7.5 linkers (8 sentences)

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

7Introduction – Paraphrasing the Task

8Overview

Band 4.5 formula

Band 5.5 formula

Band 6.5 formula

Band 7.5 formula

9Writing Practice

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

Exercise 2 – Choose the best Overview

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 4.5)

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

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 5.5)

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

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 6.5)

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

Exercise 3 – Complete Body 1 (Band 7.5)

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

Write your essay – paragraph by paragraph

Exercise 5 – Introduction

Exercise 6 – Overview

Exercise 7 – Body 1 (Stages 1–5)

Exercise 8 – Body 2 (Stages 6–8)

Exercise 9 – Your full essay

Model Answer 6.5