The Task
The diagram below shows how olive oil is produced.
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 collecting olives from the trees to delivering bottles of olive oil to shops.
Phase 1 – Preparing the olives (Stages 1–4)
- 1HarvestingOlives fall into nets when the trees are shaken.
- 2WashingThe olives are washed and leaves are removed.
- 3CrushingThe olives are crushed into a paste.
- 4MixingThe paste is mixed slowly.
Phase 2 – Extracting and bottling the oil (Stages 5–8)
- 5SeparatingThe oil is separated from water and solid waste.
- 6StoringThe oil is stored in tanks so that solids sink.
- 7BottlingThe oil is put into bottles.
- 8DeliveryThe bottles are taken 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 Harvesting | First + the + N + N + are + V3, and + the + N + fall + into + N |
| 2 Washing | Next + the + N + are + V3, and + the + N + are + V3 + away |
| 3 Crushing | Then + the + N + are + V3, and + they + become + a + N |
| 4 Mixing | After that + the + N + is + V3 + adverb + for + time |
| 5 Separating | In the second part + the + N + is + V3. The + N + is + V3 + from + N and + adj + N |
| 6 Storing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + in + N, and + adj + N + go + to the bottom |
| 7 Bottling | After that + the + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 8 Delivery | Finally + the + N + are + V3 + to + N + by + N |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Harvesting | To begin with + the + N + are + V3 + by + shaking + the + N, and + they + are + V3 + in + N |
| 2 Washing | Next + the + N + are + V3 + in + N, and + any + N + are + V3 |
| 3 Crushing | After that + the + adj + N + are + V3 + into a + N |
| 4 Mixing | Then + the + N + is + V3 + adverb + for + time |
| 5 Separating | In the second stage + the + N + is + V3 + so that + the + N + is + V3 + from + N and + adj + N |
| 6 Storing | After that + the + N + is + V3 + in + N, where + adj + adj + N + sink + to the bottom |
| 7 Bottling | Then + the + adj + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 8 Delivery | Finally + the + N + of + N + are + V3 + to + N + by + N |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Harvesting | The process begins with + the + N + being + V3 + by + shaking + the + N, so that + the + N + falls into + N |
| 2 Washing | After this + the + N + are + V3 + and + any + N + are + V3 |
| 3 Crushing | Following this + the + adj + N + are + V3 + into a + N |
| 4 Mixing | S + is then + adverb + V3 + for between + number + and + time |
| 5 Separating | Turning to the second phase + the + N + is + V3 + in order to + separate + the + N + from + N and + adj + N, which + is known as + N |
| 6 Storing | Next + the + N + is + V3 + in + N, where + any + adj + N + settle + at the bottom |
| 7 Bottling | After this + the + N + is + V3 + into + N |
| 8 Delivery | In the final stage + the + V3-adj + N + is + V3 + to + N + by + N |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Harvesting | The process commences with + the + N-ing + of + N, which + are + V3 + from + N + and + V3 + in + N |
| 2 Washing | S + are then + V3 + adverb, and + any + adj + N + are + V3 |
| 3 Crushing | Once + V3 + the + N + are + V3 + into a + adj + N |
| 4 Mixing | This + N + is subsequently + V3 + adverb + for a period of + time |
| 5 Separating | Turning to the second phase + the + N + is + V3, a process which + V + the + N + from both + N and + adj + N, V3 + as + N |
| 6 Storing | S + is then + V3 + in + N, allowing + any + adj + N + to + V |
| 7 Bottling | Once + S + has + V3 + the + N + is + V3 |
| 8 Delivery | Finally + the + V3-adj + N + is + V3 + to + N + by + 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, cây ô liu được rung (are shaken), và quả ô liu rơi vào lưới.
Tiếp theo, ô liu được rửa, và lá được loại bỏ (are taken away).
Sau đó, ô liu được nghiền, và chúng trở thành (become) một hỗn hợp sệt.
Sau đó, hỗn hợp được trộn (is mixed) chậm trong 30 đến 40 phút.
Ở phần thứ hai, hỗn hợp được ép. Dầu được tách (is separated) ra khỏi nước và chất thải rắn.
Tiếp theo, dầu được giữ (is kept) trong bồn, và các mảnh nhỏ chìm xuống đáy.
Sau đó, dầu được cho (is put) vào chai.
Cuối cùng, các chai được chở (are taken) đến cửa hàng bằng xe tải.
Band 5.5 – 8 sentences
Trước tiên, ô liu được thu hoạch bằng cách rung cây, và chúng được gom lại (are collected) trong lưới.
Tiếp theo, ô liu được rửa trong nước, và lá được loại bỏ (are removed).
Sau đó, ô liu sạch được nghiền (are crushed) thành hỗn hợp sệt.
Sau đó, hỗn hợp được trộn chậm (slowly) trong 30 đến 40 phút.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, hỗn hợp được ép để (so that) dầu được tách ra khỏi nước và chất thải rắn.
Sau đó, dầu được chứa trong bồn, nơi (where) các mảnh rắn nhỏ chìm xuống đáy.
Sau đó, dầu sạch được cho vào chai (bottles).
Cuối cùng, các chai dầu được giao (are delivered) đến cửa hàng bằng xe tải.
Band 6.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc ô liu được thu hoạch bằng cách rung cây, để (so that) quả rơi vào lưới.
Sau đó, ô liu được rửa và mọi chiếc lá đều được loại bỏ (removed).
Tiếp sau đó, ô liu sạch được nghiền thành hỗn hợp sệt (paste).
Hỗn hợp sau đó được trộn chậm trong khoảng từ (between) 30 đến 40 phút.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, hỗn hợp được ép nhằm tách dầu khỏi nước và chất thải rắn, thứ được gọi là (is known as) bã ô liu.
Tiếp theo, dầu được chứa trong bồn, nơi mọi chất rắn còn lại lắng (settle) xuống đáy.
Sau bước này, dầu được rót (poured) vào chai.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, dầu đã đóng chai được giao đến cửa hàng (shops) bằng xe tải.
Band 7.5 – 8 sentences
Quy trình bắt đầu với việc thu hoạch ô liu, những quả này được rung khỏi cây và gom (collected) vào lưới.
Ô liu sau đó được rửa kỹ (thoroughly), và mọi chiếc lá còn sót lại đều được loại bỏ.
Một khi đã được làm sạch, ô liu được nghiền thành hỗn hợp sệt đặc (thick).
Hỗn hợp này sau đó được khuấy (stirred) chậm trong khoảng 30–40 phút.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, hỗn hợp được ép, một quá trình tách dầu khỏi cả nước lẫn chất thải rắn, được gọi là (known as) bã ô liu.
Dầu sau đó được chứa trong bồn, cho phép (allowing) mọi chất rắn còn lại lắng xuống.
Một khi đã lắng (has settled), dầu được đóng chai.
Cuối cùng, dầu đã đóng chai được phân phối (distributed) đến các cửa hàng bằng xe tải.
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 olive trees are shaken.
- The olives fall nets.
- , the olives are washed.
- The olives are crushed, they become a paste.
- The paste is mixed slowly 30 to 40 minutes.
- the second part, the paste is pressed.
- The oil is separated the water.
- , the bottles are taken to shops.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), cây ô liu được rung.
Tiếp theo (Next), ô liu được rửa.
Sau đó (Then), ô liu được nghiền.
Sau đó (After that), dầu được cho vào chai.
Cuối cùng (Finally), các chai 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 olives are harvested.
- They are harvested shaking the trees.
- The olives are washed, and any leaves removed.
- The clean olives are crushed a paste.
- The paste is pressed so the oil is separated.
- The oil is stored in tanks, small pieces sink.
- , the clean oil is put into bottles.
- , the bottles are 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), ô liu được thu hoạch.
Ô liu được thu hoạch bằng cách (by) rung cây.
Hỗn hợp được ép để (so that) dầu được tách ra.
Dầu được chứa trong bồn, nơi (where) các mảnh nhỏ chìm xuống.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai (In the second stage), hỗn hợp được ép.
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 olives being harvested.
- The trees are shaken that the fruit falls into nets.
- this, the clean olives are crushed into a paste.
- The paste is slowly mixed for 30 and 40 minutes.
- The paste is pressed in to separate the oil.
- The solid waste is known pomace.
- Any remaining solids at the bottom.
- , the bottled oil 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) ô liu được thu hoạch.
Hỗn hợp được ép nhằm (in order to) tách dầu.
Chất thải rắn được gọi là (is known as) bã ô liu.
Dầu được chứa trong bồn, nơi (where) chất rắn lắng xuống.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, hỗn hợp được ép.
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 olives.
- The olives are then washed .
- cleaned, the olives are crushed into a thick paste.
- The paste is subsequently slowly.
- The oil is separated from water and solid waste.
- The oil is stored in tanks, any remaining solids to settle.
- Once it has , the oil is bottled.
- The bottled oil is to shops by lorry.
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 thu hoạch (the harvesting of) ô liu.
Một khi đã làm sạch (Once cleaned), ô liu được nghiền.
Hỗn hợp được ép, một quá trình (a process which) tách dầu khỏi nước.
Dầu được chứa trong bồn, cho phép (allowing) chất rắn lắng xuống.
Một khi đã lắng (Once it has settled), dầu được đóng chai.
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 olive oil | how olive oil | the process of making olive oil | the various stages in the production of olive oil | the sequence of stages involved in producing olive oil |
| is produced | is made | from the harvesting of olives | from the harvesting of the fruit | |
| to the delivery of bottled oil to shops | to the distribution of the bottled product to retailers |
The diagram shows how olive oil is made, from olives on the trees to bottles of oil in shops.
Band 4.5: changes “produced” to “made” and adds a simple “from … to …”.
The diagram illustrates the process of making olive oil, from collecting the olives to delivering the oil to shops.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates) and a noun phrase (the process of making) instead of copying the task.
The diagram illustrates the various stages in the production of olive oil, from the harvesting of olives to the delivery of bottled oil to shops.
Band 6.5: nominalisation (the production of, the harvesting of, the delivery of) gives an accurate, academic paraphrase.
The given diagram depicts the sequence of stages involved in producing olive oil, from the harvesting of the fruit to the distribution of the bottled product to retailers.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), a complex noun phrase and accurate collocations (the harvesting of the fruit, distribution to retailers).
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how olive oil is made / the production of olive oil, from the harvesting of olives to the delivery of bottled oil to shops.
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 “30–40 minutes”, “nets” or “pomace”).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are eight steps in this process. It starts with collecting olives from the trees and finishes with taking bottles of oil 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 olives are collected and made into a paste, and in the last four stages, the oil is taken out, bottled and sent to shops. Some solid waste is also produced.
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: preparing the olives and extracting and bottling the oil. It is also noticeable that solid waste is produced when the oil is separated.
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, olive oil production involves eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – the preparation of the olives and the extraction and bottling of the oil – with solid waste being generated as a by-product of the separation 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 1–4 (Preparing the olives) → Body 2: Stages 5–8 (Extracting and bottling the oil). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- produced →
- collected →
- kept →
- 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 olive trees are , and the olives fall into . Next, the olives are , and the leaves are taken away. Then, the olives are crushed, and they become a . After that, the paste is mixed slowly for 30 to 40 minutes.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 4.5)
Choose 1–6 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 olives are by shaking the trees, and they are collected in nets. Next, the olives are washed in water, and any leaves are . After that, the clean olives are into a paste. Then, the paste is mixed for 30 to 40 minutes.
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 the olives being by shaking the trees, so that the fruit falls into nets. After this, the olives are washed and any leaves are . Following this, the clean olives are crushed into a . The paste is then slowly mixed for 30 and 40 minutes.
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 olives, which are shaken from the trees and collected in nets. The olives are then washed , and any remaining leaves are removed. Once cleaned, the olives are crushed into a paste. This paste is subsequently slowly for a period of 30–40 minutes.
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.