The Task
The diagram below shows the stages in processing milk, from the farm to the shop.
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 milking cows on a farm to delivering cartons and bottles of milk to shops.
Phase 1 – On the farm and transport (Stages 1–3)
- 1MilkingCows are milked by machine.
- 2Cooling and storingThe milk is stored in a cold tank.
- 3TransportA tanker takes the milk to the factory.
Phase 2 – At the factory and delivery (Stages 4–8)
- 4TestingThe milk is tested for quality.
- 5Pasteurising*The milk is heated to 72°C for 15 seconds.
- 6CoolingThe milk is cooled quickly.
- 7PackingThe milk is put into cartons or bottles.
- 8Delivery to shopsRefrigerated lorries take the milk 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 Milking | First + the + N + are + V3 + by + N + on the + N |
| 2 Cooling and storing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + in a + adj + N + at + temperature |
| 3 Transport | Then + a + N + N + takes + the + N + to the + N |
| 4 Testing | In the second part + the + N + is + V3 + at the + N |
| 5 Pasteurising* | Next + the + N + is + V3 + to + temperature + for + time |
| 6 Cooling | After that + the + N + is + V3 + adverb |
| 7 Packing | Then + the + N + is + V3 + into + N or N |
| 8 Delivery to shops | Finally + adj + N + take + the + N + to + N |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Milking | To begin with + the + N + are + V3 + by + N + on a + adj + N |
| 2 Cooling and storing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + in a + adj + N + at a temperature of + number |
| 3 Transport | After that + the + N + is + V3 + to a + N + by a + N + N |
| 4 Testing | At the factory + the + N + is + V3 + to + check + its + N |
| 5 Pasteurising* | Then + the + N + is + V3, which means + it + is + V3 + to + temperature + for + time |
| 6 Cooling | After that + the + adj + N + is + V3 + adverb |
| 7 Packing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + into + N or N |
| 8 Delivery to shops | Finally + the + N + is + V3 + to + N + in + adj + N |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Milking | The process begins with + the + N + being + V3 + by + N + on a + adj + N |
| 2 Cooling and storing | After this + the + N + is + V3 + to + temperature + and + V3 + in a + N |
| 3 Transport | Following this + the + N + is + V3 + to a + N + in a + N + N |
| 4 Testing | Turning to the factory stage + the + N + is + V3 + for + N |
| 5 Pasteurising* | Next + the + N + is + V3 + by + heating it + to + temperature + for + time |
| 6 Cooling | Immediately afterwards + the + N + is + adverb + V3 |
| 7 Packing | Once + V3 + the + N + is + V3 + in + N or N |
| 8 Delivery to shops | In the final stage + the + V3-adj + N + is + V3 + to + N + in + adj + N |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Milking | The process commences on the farm, where + N + are + V3 + adverb |
| 2 Cooling and storing | S + is then + V3 + to + temperature + and + V3 + in a + adj + N |
| 3 Transport | Next + it + is + V3 + by + N + to a + N + N |
| 4 Testing | Upon arrival + the + N + undergoes + N + N |
| 5 Pasteurising* | It is subsequently + V3, a process in which + S + V[is + V3 + to + temperature + for + time] |
| 6 Cooling | This is immediately followed by + adj + N |
| 7 Packing | Once + V3 + the + N + is + V3 + either in + N or in + N |
| 8 Delivery to shops | Finally + the + V3-adj + N + is + V3 + to + N + in + adj + 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, bò được vắt sữa (are milked) bằng máy ở trang trại.
Tiếp theo, sữa được giữ (is kept) trong một bồn lạnh ở 4°C.
Sau đó, một xe bồn chở (takes) sữa đến nhà máy.
Ở phần thứ hai, sữa được kiểm tra (is tested) tại nhà máy.
Tiếp theo, sữa được đun nóng (is heated) đến 72°C trong 15 giây.
Sau đó, sữa được làm nguội (is cooled) nhanh chóng.
Sau đó, sữa được cho (is put) vào hộp giấy hoặc chai.
Cuối cùng, xe tải lạnh chở (take) sữa đến các cửa hàng.
Band 5.5 – 8 sentences
Trước tiên, bò được vắt sữa bằng máy ở trang trại bò sữa (dairy farm).
Tiếp theo, sữa được bảo quản (is stored) trong bồn lạnh ở nhiệt độ 4°C.
Sau đó, sữa được xe bồn chở (is taken) đến nhà máy.
Tại nhà máy, sữa được kiểm tra để (to) kiểm soát chất lượng.
Sau đó, sữa được tiệt trùng Pasteur, nghĩa là (which means) nó được đun đến 72°C trong 15 giây.
Sau đó, sữa nóng được làm nguội nhanh chóng (quickly).
Tiếp theo, sữa được đóng gói (is packed) vào hộp giấy hoặc chai.
Cuối cùng, sữa được giao (is delivered) đến cửa hàng bằng xe tải đông lạnh.
Band 6.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc bò được vắt sữa bằng máy (by machine) ở trang trại bò sữa.
Sau đó, sữa được làm lạnh (cooled) xuống 4°C và chứa trong bồn.
Tiếp sau đó, sữa được vận chuyển (transported) đến nhà máy bằng xe bồn.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn tại nhà máy, sữa được kiểm tra chất lượng (for quality).
Tiếp theo, sữa được tiệt trùng bằng cách (by) đun nó đến 72°C trong 15 giây.
Ngay sau đó (Immediately afterwards), sữa được làm nguội nhanh.
Một khi đã nguội (Once cooled), sữa được đóng vào hộp giấy hoặc chai.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, sữa đã đóng gói được giao đến cửa hàng bằng xe tải đông lạnh (refrigerated).
Band 7.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu tại trang trại, nơi bò được vắt sữa bằng máy (mechanically).
Sữa sau đó được làm lạnh xuống 4°C và giữ trong một bồn được làm lạnh (refrigerated).
Tiếp theo, sữa được vận chuyển bằng xe bồn đến một nhà máy chế biến (processing plant).
Khi đến nơi (Upon arrival), sữa trải qua kiểm định chất lượng.
Sau đó, sữa được tiệt trùng, một quá trình mà trong đó (in which) sữa được đun đến 72°C trong 15 giây.
Ngay sau bước này là (is immediately followed by) quá trình làm nguội nhanh.
Một khi đã nguội, sữa được đóng gói hoặc (either) trong hộp giấy hoặc trong chai.
Cuối cùng, sữa đã đóng gói được phân phối (distributed) đến cửa hàng bằng xe tải đông lạnh.
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 cows are milked by machine.
- The milk is kept in a cold tank 4°C.
- A tanker lorry takes the milk the factory.
- the second part, the milk is tested.
- The milk is heated to 72°C 15 seconds.
- , the milk is cooled quickly.
- The milk is put into cartons bottles.
- , cold lorries take the milk to shops.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), bò được vắt sữa bằng máy.
Tiếp theo (Next), sữa được giữ trong bồn lạnh.
Sau đó (Then), xe bồn chở sữa đến nhà máy.
Sau đó (After that), sữa được làm nguội nhanh.
Cuối cùng (Finally), sữa được chở 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.
- , the cows are milked by machine.
- The milk is stored at a temperature 4°C.
- The milk is taken to a factory a tanker lorry.
- The milk is tested check its quality.
- The milk is pasteurised, means it is heated to 72°C.
- The hot milk is cooled .
- The milk is packed cartons or bottles.
- , the milk is delivered 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), bò được vắt sữa bằng máy.
Sữa được xe bồn (by a tanker lorry) chở đến nhà máy.
Tại nhà máy (At the factory), sữa được kiểm tra.
Sữa được tiệt trùng, nghĩa là (which means) nó được đun nóng.
Cuối cùng (Finally), sữa được giao đến cửa hàng.
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 the cows being milked by machine.
- The milk is cooled to 4°C stored in a tank.
- this, the milk is transported to a factory.
- The milk is tested quality.
- The milk is pasteurised heating it to 72°C.
- afterwards, the milk is rapidly cooled.
- cooled, the milk is packaged.
- , the milk is delivered to shops.
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) bò được vắt sữa.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn tại nhà máy, sữa được kiểm tra.
Sữa được tiệt trùng bằng cách (by) đun nóng.
Ngay sau đó (Immediately afterwards), sữa được làm nguội nhanh.
Một khi đã nguội (Once cooled), sữa được đóng gói.
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 on the farm, cows are milked.
- Cows are milked .
- The milk is chilled to 4°C and held in a tank.
- It is transported by tanker to a processing .
- arrival, the milk undergoes quality testing.
- It is pasteurised, a process in it is heated to 72°C.
- This is immediately followed rapid cooling.
- The milk is packaged in cartons or in bottles.
Part B – Translate with Band 7.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Quy trình bắt đầu tại trang trại, nơi (where) bò được vắt sữa.
Khi đến nơi (Upon arrival), sữa được kiểm định chất lượng.
Sữa được tiệt trùng, một quá trình trong đó (in which) nó được đun nóng.
Ngay sau bước này là (is followed by) làm nguội nhanh.
Cuối cùng (Finally), sữa được phân phối đến cửa hàng.
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 processing milk | how milk is processed | the process of preparing milk | the various stages involved in processing milk | the sequence of steps through which milk passes |
| from the farm to the shop | from the farm to the shop | from the farm to the shop | from the dairy farm to the point of sale | from the dairy farm to retail outlets |
The diagram shows how milk is processed, from the farm to the shop.
Band 4.5: changes “the stages in processing milk” into “how milk is processed” – simple and correct.
The diagram illustrates the process of preparing milk from the farm to the shop.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates) and a noun phrase (the process of preparing milk).
The diagram illustrates the various stages involved in processing milk, from the dairy farm to the point of sale.
Band 6.5: a noun phrase with “involved in” and an accurate paraphrase of “shop” (the point of sale).
The given diagram depicts the sequence of steps through which milk passes from the dairy farm to retail outlets.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), a “through which” relative clause and an academic collocation (retail outlets).
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how milk is processed / the processing of milk, from the dairy farm to the shop / retail outlets.
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 “4°C”, “72°C” or “15 seconds”).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are eight steps in this process. It starts with milking cows on a farm and finishes with taking milk 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. The first three stages happen on the farm and on the road, and the last five stages happen at the factory and end with the delivery of milk to shops. The milk is kept cold for most of the process.
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: collecting the milk on the farm and treating and packaging it at a factory. It is also clear that the milk is kept cold at almost every stage.
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, milk processing involves eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – collection on the farm and treatment at a processing plant – with the milk being kept at a low temperature throughout, apart from the brief heating stage.
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 (On the farm and transport) → Body 2: Stages 4–8 (At the factory and delivery). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- processing →
- shop →
- heated →
- delivered →
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, the cows are by machine on the farm. Next, the milk is in a cold tank at 4°C. Then, a tanker lorry takes the milk to the .
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 4.5)
Choose 1–7 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, the cows are milked by machine on a farm. Next, the milk is in a cold tank at a temperature of 4°C. After that, the milk is taken to a factory by a lorry.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 5.5)
Choose 1–5 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 the cows being milked by on a dairy farm. After this, the milk is to 4°C and stored in a tank. Following this, the milk is to a factory in a tanker lorry.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 6.5)
Choose 1–5 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 on the farm, where cows are milked . The milk is then to 4°C and held in a refrigerated tank. Next, it is transported by tanker to a processing .
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 7.5)
Choose 1–5 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 1–3)
Write the stages in order with a different linker for each.
Words: 0 (about 55–75 words)
Exercise 8 – Body 2 (Stages 4–8)
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.