The Task
The diagram below shows how plastic bottles are recycled and made into new products.
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 7 stages. It is a man-made process shown as a cycle: used bottles are collected, cleaned and melted, and the plastic is turned into new bottles that can be recycled again.
Phase 1 – Collecting and cleaning the plastic (Stages 1–4)
- 1CollectionUsed bottles are collected from recycling bins.
- 2SortingThe bottles are sorted by type and colour on a conveyor belt.
- 3ShreddingThe bottles are shredded into small flakes.
- 4WashingThe flakes are washed to remove labels and dirt.
Phase 2 – Remaking the plastic (Stages 5–7)
- 5MeltingThe clean flakes are melted in a furnace.
- 6Making pelletsThe melted plastic is cooled and made into small pellets.
- 7New productsThe pellets are used to make new bottles and other products.
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 Collection | First + adj + adj + N + are + V3 + in + N + and + V3 |
| 2 Sorting | Next + N + are + V3 + by + N and N |
| 3 Shredding | Then + N + are + V3 + into + adj + N + by + N |
| 4 Washing | After that + N + are + V3 + with + N + to + V + N and N |
| 5 Melting | In the second part + adj + N + are + V3 + at about + temperature |
| 6 Making pellets | Next + adj + N + is + V3 + into + adj + N |
| 7 New products | Finally + N + are + V3 + to make + adj + N and adj + N |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Collection | To begin with + adj + adj + N + are + V3 + from + N + and + V3 + to + N |
| 2 Sorting | After that + N + are + V3 + by + N and N + on + N |
| 3 Shredding | Next + N + are + V3 + into + adj + N + by + N |
| 4 Washing | Then + N + are + V3 + in + N + to + V + N and N |
| 5 Melting | In the second stage + adj + N + are + V3 + to about + temperature + until + they + melt |
| 6 Making pellets | After that + V3 + N + is + V3 + and + V3 + into + adj + N |
| 7 New products | Finally + N + are + V3 + to + N, where + they + are + V3 + into + adj + N and adj + N |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Collection | The process begins when + adj + adj + N + are + V3 + from + N + and + V3 + to + N |
| 2 Sorting | Following this + N + are + V3 + according to + N and N |
| 3 Shredding | Once + V3 + N + are + V3 + into + adj + N + by + N |
| 4 Washing | After this + N + are + V3 + in + a tank of + N, which + removes + N and N |
| 5 Melting | Turning to the second phase + adj + N + are + V3 + in + N + at approximately + temperature |
| 6 Making pellets | Next + adj + N + is + V3 and V3 + into + adj + N + by + N |
| 7 New products | In the final stage + N + are + V3 + to + N + and + V3 + into + adj + N + and + adj + N, so + the cycle + can begin again |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Collection | The process commences with + the + N + of + adj + N + from + N + and their + N + to + N |
| 2 Sorting | Subsequently + they + are + V3 + by + N and N + on + N |
| 3 Shredding | Once + V3 + N + are + adverb + V3, producing + adj + adj + N |
| 4 Washing | Next + N + are + adverb + V3, a step that + V + away + N and N |
| 5 Melting | Turning to the second phase + adj + N + are + V3 + to around + temperature, at which point + they + melt |
| 6 Making pellets | Subsequently + the + adj + N + is + V3 and V3 + into + adj + N |
| 7 New products | In the final stage + these + N + are used as + adj + N + to + V + adj + N and adj + adj + N, thereby + V-ing + 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 – 7 sentences
Đầu tiên, chai nhựa đã qua sử dụng được bỏ vào thùng tái chế và được thu gom (collected).
Tiếp theo, chai được phân loại (sorted) theo loại và màu.
Sau đó, chai được máy cắt (cut) thành những mảnh nhỏ.
Sau đó, các mảnh nhựa được rửa (washed) bằng nước để loại bỏ nhãn và bụi bẩn.
Ở phần thứ hai, các mảnh nhựa sạch được nấu chảy (melted) ở khoảng 260°C.
Tiếp theo, nhựa nóng được làm (made) thành những hạt nhỏ.
Cuối cùng, các hạt nhựa được dùng (used) để làm chai mới và những đồ vật khác.
Band 5.5 – 7 sentences
Trước tiên, chai nhựa đã qua sử dụng được thu gom từ thùng tái chế và đưa đến nhà máy tái chế (recycling plant).
Sau đó, chai được phân loại theo loại nhựa và màu sắc trên băng chuyền (conveyor belt).
Tiếp theo, chai được máy cắt vụn (shredded) thành những mảnh nhỏ.
Sau đó, các mảnh nhựa được rửa trong nước để loại bỏ nhãn (labels) và bụi bẩn.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, các mảnh sạch được nung nóng đến khoảng 260°C cho đến khi (until) chúng chảy ra.
Sau đó, nhựa nóng chảy được làm nguội và cắt (cut) thành những hạt nhỏ.
Cuối cùng, các hạt nhựa được gửi đến nhà máy, nơi (where) chúng được làm thành chai mới và các sản phẩm khác.
Band 6.5 – 7 sentences
Quá trình bắt đầu khi chai nhựa đã qua sử dụng được gom từ thùng tái chế và vận chuyển (transported) đến nhà máy tái chế.
Tiếp theo đó, chai được tách riêng theo (according to) loại nhựa và màu sắc.
Một khi đã được phân loại, chai được máy cắt vụn thành những mảnh nhỏ (flakes).
Sau bước này, các mảnh nhựa được rửa trong bồn nước, giúp loại bỏ (removes) nhãn và bụi bẩn.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, các mảnh sạch được nấu chảy trong lò (furnace) ở khoảng 260°C.
Tiếp theo, nhựa nóng chảy được làm nguội và tạo thành (formed into) những hạt nhỏ bằng máy.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, hạt nhựa được cung cấp (supplied) cho nhà máy và làm thành chai mới cùng các sản phẩm khác, vì vậy chu trình có thể bắt đầu lại.
Band 7.5 – 7 sentences
Quá trình bắt đầu với việc thu gom chai nhựa đã qua sử dụng từ thùng tái chế và vận chuyển (transport) chúng đến nhà máy tái chế.
Sau đó, chúng được phân loại theo loại polyme (polymer) và màu sắc trên băng chuyền.
Một khi đã được phân loại, chai được cắt vụn bằng máy (mechanically), tạo ra những mảnh nhựa nhỏ.
Tiếp theo, các mảnh nhựa được rửa kỹ (thoroughly), một bước giúp loại bỏ nhãn và bụi bẩn.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, các mảnh sạch được nung nóng đến khoảng 260°C, tại thời điểm đó (at which point) chúng tan chảy.
Sau đó, nhựa nóng chảy được làm nguội và ép đùn (extruded) thành những hạt nhỏ.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, các hạt nhựa này được dùng làm nguyên liệu thô (raw material) để sản xuất chai mới và hàng nhựa khác, qua đó hoàn thành chu trình.
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.
- , used plastic bottles are collected.
- The bottles are put recycling bins.
- , the bottles are sorted by type and colour.
- The bottles are cut small pieces.
- The pieces are washed take off labels and dirt.
- the second part, the clean pieces are melted.
- , the hot plastic is made into pellets.
- , the pellets are used to make new bottles.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), chai nhựa cũ được thu gom.
Tiếp theo (Next), chai được phân loại theo màu.
Sau đó (Then), chai được cắt thành mảnh nhỏ.
Sau đó (After that), các mảnh nhựa được nấu chảy.
Cuối cùng (Finally), chai mới được làm ra.
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.
- , used plastic bottles are collected from recycling bins.
- that, the bottles are sorted by type and colour.
- The bottles are shredded into flakes a machine.
- The flakes are washed remove labels and dirt.
- the second stage, the flakes are heated.
- The flakes are heated they melt.
- The pellets are sent to factories, they are made into new bottles.
- , the pellets are sent to factories.
Part B – Translate with Band 5.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Trước tiên (To begin with), chai nhựa được thu gom từ thùng tái chế.
Chai được máy (by) cắt vụn thành mảnh nhỏ.
Các mảnh nhựa được rửa để (to) loại bỏ nhãn.
Các mảnh nhựa được nung nóng cho đến khi (until) chúng chảy ra.
Hạt nhựa được gửi đến nhà máy, nơi mà (where) chúng được làm thành chai mới.
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 used bottles are gathered from bins.
- The bottles are separated to plastic type and colour.
- sorted, the bottles are shredded into flakes.
- The flakes are washed, removes labels and dirt.
- the second phase, the clean flakes are melted.
- The flakes are melted a furnace.
- New bottles are made, so the cycle begin again.
- , the pellets are supplied to factories.
Part B – Translate with Band 6.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Quá trình bắt đầu khi (when) chai nhựa cũ được gom từ thùng.
Một khi (Once) đã được phân loại, chai được cắt vụn.
Các mảnh nhựa được rửa, việc này (which) loại bỏ bụi bẩn.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, các mảnh nhựa được nấu chảy.
Chai mới được sản xuất, vì vậy (so) chu trình có thể bắt đầu 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 the collection of used bottles.
- , they are sorted by polymer type and colour.
- The bottles are shredded, small plastic flakes.
- The flakes are washed, a step that strips labels and dirt.
- The flakes are heated to 260°C, at point they melt.
- The molten plastic is cooled and into pellets.
- The pellets are used as raw for new bottles.
- New goods are made, completing the cycle.
Part B – Translate with Band 7.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Quá trình bắt đầu với (commences with) việc thu gom chai nhựa cũ.
Sau đó (Subsequently), chúng được phân loại theo loại polyme.
Chai được cắt vụn, tạo ra (producing) những mảnh nhựa nhỏ.
Các mảnh nhựa được nung đến 260°C, tại thời điểm đó (at which point) chúng tan chảy.
Hạt nhựa được dùng làm chai mới, qua đó (thereby) hoàn thành chu trình.
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 plastic bottles are recycled | how used plastic bottles are recycled | how used plastic bottles are recycled | how used plastic bottles are recycled | the process by which used plastic bottles are recycled |
| and made into new products | to make new bottles and other things | to the production of new products | ending with the manufacture of new products | to their reuse as raw material for new products |
The diagram shows how used plastic bottles are recycled, from collecting old bottles to making new bottles and other things.
Band 4.5: copies the task words and adds simple words (old, other things) in a from … to … phrase.
The diagram illustrates how used plastic bottles are recycled, from the collection of old bottles to the production of new products.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a how-clause and nominal phrases (the collection of, the production of).
The diagram illustrates how used plastic bottles are recycled, starting with their collection from recycling bins and ending with the manufacture of new products.
Band 6.5: a passive how-clause and a participle phrase (starting with … and ending with …) with nominal phrases (their collection, the manufacture of).
The given diagram depicts the process by which used plastic bottles are recycled, from their collection in recycling bins to their reuse as raw material for new products.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), a by-which clause and nominal phrases (their collection, their reuse as raw material).
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how used plastic bottles are recycled / the process by which plastic bottles are recycled, from their collection to the production of new products.
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 “260°C”, “water”, “labels”, “flakes” or “pellets”).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are seven steps in this process. It starts with collecting used bottles and finishes with making new products, so it is a cycle.
Why Band 4.5: Two short simple sentences, basic words (steps, starts, finishes), no phases.
Band 5.5 formula
Overall, there are seven stages in the process. The first four stages collect and clean the plastic, and the last three turn it into new products. The process begins with collecting used bottles and ends with the production of new bottles and other products, so it is a cyclical 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, there are seven stages in the process, which can be divided into two main phases: collecting and cleaning the plastic, and remaking it into new products. The process begins with the collection of used bottles and ends with the production of new bottles and other goods, so it is a cyclical process.
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 seven distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – the collection and cleaning of plastic waste and its remanufacture – commencing with the collection of used bottles and culminating in the production of new plastic goods, from where the cycle repeats.
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 (Collecting and cleaning the plastic) → Body 2: Stages 5–7 (Remaking the plastic). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- recycled →
- made into →
- products →
- below →
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, used plastic bottles are put in recycling and collected. Next, the bottles are sorted by type and . Then, the bottles are into small pieces by a machine. After that, the pieces are washed with to take off labels and .
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, used plastic bottles are collected from recycling and taken to a recycling plant. After that, the bottles are by type and colour on a conveyor belt. Next, the bottles are into small flakes by a . Then, the flakes are washed in water to remove and dirt.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 5.5)
Choose 1–3 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 used plastic bottles are gathered from recycling bins and transported to a recycling plant. Following this, the bottles are separated to plastic type and colour. sorted, the bottles are shredded into small by a machine. After this, the flakes are washed in a tank of water, removes labels and dirt.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 6.5)
Choose 1–3 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 used plastic bottles from recycling bins and their transport to a recycling plant. Subsequently, they are sorted by type and colour on a conveyor belt. Once sorted, the bottles are shredded, producing small plastic . Next, the flakes are thoroughly washed, a step that away labels and dirt.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 7.5)
Choose 1–3 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 5–7)
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.