The Task
The diagram below shows how rainwater is collected and treated for use in the home.
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: rain falling on a roof is collected, cleaned, stored and finally treated so it can be used in the house.
Phase 1 – Collecting and cleaning (Stages 1–4)
- 1Rain on the roofRain falls on the roof.
- 2Gutters*Gutters collect the water; it flows into a pipe.
- 3First flushThe first, dirty water is sent away.
- 4FilteringA filter removes leaves and dirt.
Phase 2 – Storing, treating and using (Stages 5–8)
- 5Storage tankThe water is stored in an underground tank.
- 6PumpingA pump sends the water to the house.
- 7TreatmentWater is treated with a fine filter and UV light.
- 8Use in the homeThe water is used for drinking, washing, toilets and the garden.
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 Rain on the roof | First + N + falls on + the + N + of a + N |
| 2 Gutters* | Next + the + N + goes into + N + and then + into a + N |
| 3 First flush | Then + the + adj + adj + N + is + V3 + away |
| 4 Filtering | After that + the + N + goes through + a + N, and + N and N + are + V3 + out |
| 5 Storage tank | In the second part + the + adj + N + is + V3 + in a + N + under the + N |
| 6 Pumping | Next + a + N + sends + the + N + up to the + N |
| 7 Treatment | Then + the + N + is + V3 + again + with a + adj + N and + N + N |
| 8 Use in the home | Finally + N + use + the + N + for + N-ing, N-ing, N and the + N |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Rain on the roof | To begin with + N + falls onto + the + N + of a + N |
| 2 Gutters* | Next + the + N + is + V3 + in + N + and + flows into + a + N |
| 3 First flush | After that + the + adj + adj + N + from the + N + is + V3 + by a + adj + N |
| 4 Filtering | Next + the + N + passes through + a + N, which + removes + N and N |
| 5 Storage tank | In the second stage + the + V3-adj + N + is + V3 + in an + adj + N |
| 6 Pumping | When + the + N + is + V3, it + is + V3 + up to the + N |
| 7 Treatment | After that + the + N + is + V3 + with a + adj + N and + N + N + to + kill + N |
| 8 Use in the home | Finally + the + N + is + V3 + in the + N + for + N-ing, N-ing, N and the + N |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Rain on the roof | The process begins when + N + falls onto + the + N + of a + N |
| 2 Gutters* | After this + the + N + is + V3 + in + N + and + flows down + a + N |
| 3 First flush | Following this + the + adj, adj-est + N + is + V3 + away + by a + N + N |
| 4 Filtering | S + is then + V3 + to + remove + N and N |
| 5 Storage tank | Turning to the second phase + the + V3-adj + N + is + V3 + in an + adj + N |
| 6 Pumping | When + it + is + V3 + the + N + is + V3 + up to the + N |
| 7 Treatment | Before + it + is + V3 + the + N + is + V3 + with a + adj + N and + N + N + in order to + kill + N |
| 8 Use in the home | In the final stage + the + N + is + V3 + for a range of + N, including + N-ing, N-ing, N and N-ing |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Rain on the roof | The process commences when + N + lands on + the + N + of a + N |
| 2 Gutters* | This + N + is + V3 + into + N, from which + it + flows down + a + adj + N |
| 3 First flush | At this point + a + N + N + separates out + the + adj, adj-est + N |
| 4 Filtering | The + adj + N + is subsequently + V3, which + removes + N and adj + N |
| 5 Storage tank | Turning to the second phase + the + V3-adj + N + is + V3 + in an + adj + N + N |
| 6 Pumping | Whenever + it + is + V3 + the + N + is + V3 + from the + N + into the + N |
| 7 Treatment | Prior to use + it + undergoes + adj + N, being + V3 + through a + adj + N and V3 + to + N + N + to + kill + N |
| 8 Use in the home | Finally + the + N + is + V3 + for + adj + adj + N, ranging from + N-ing and N-ing + to + V-ing + N and V-ing + the + 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, mưa rơi (falls) trên mái nhà.
Tiếp theo, nước chảy vào (goes into) máng xối rồi vào một đường ống.
Sau đó, phần nước bẩn đầu tiên được loại ra (is taken away).
Sau đó, nước đi qua (goes through) bộ lọc, và lá cây cùng bụi bẩn được lấy ra.
Ở phần thứ hai, nước sạch được giữ (is kept) trong một bồn dưới mặt đất.
Tiếp theo, một máy bơm đưa (sends) nước lên nhà.
Sau đó, nước được làm sạch (is cleaned) lần nữa bằng bộ lọc nhỏ và tia UV.
Cuối cùng, mọi người dùng (use) nước để uống, giặt giũ, nhà vệ sinh và tưới vườn.
Band 5.5 – 8 sentences
Trước tiên, mưa rơi xuống (falls onto) mái của một ngôi nhà.
Tiếp theo, nước được gom (is collected) trong máng xối và chảy vào một đường ống.
Sau đó, phần nước bẩn đầu tiên từ mái nhà được một thiết bị đặc biệt loại bỏ (is removed).
Tiếp theo, nước đi qua bộ lọc, bộ lọc này (which) loại bỏ lá và bụi bẩn.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, nước đã lọc được trữ (is stored) trong bồn ngầm.
Khi cần nước, nước được bơm (is pumped) lên nhà.
Sau đó, nước được xử lý (is treated) bằng bộ lọc tinh và tia UV để diệt vi khuẩn.
Cuối cùng, nước được sử dụng (is used) trong nhà để uống, giặt giũ, nhà vệ sinh và tưới vườn.
Band 6.5 – 8 sentences
Quá trình bắt đầu khi (when) mưa rơi xuống mái nhà.
Sau đó, nước được gom trong máng xối và chảy xuống (flows down) một đường ống.
Tiếp sau đó, phần nước đầu tiên, bẩn nhất được thiết bị xả đầu chuyển hướng (diverted) đi nơi khác.
Nước sau đó được lọc (filtered) để loại bỏ lá và bụi bẩn.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, nước đã lọc được trữ trong bồn ngầm (underground tank).
Khi cần, nước được bơm lên (pumped up) nhà.
Trước khi được sử dụng, nước được xử lý bằng bộ lọc tinh và tia UV nhằm diệt vi khuẩn (bacteria).
Ở giai đoạn cuối, nước được dùng cho nhiều mục đích (a range of purposes), bao gồm uống, giặt giũ, nhà vệ sinh và làm vườn.
Band 7.5 – 8 sentences
Quá trình bắt đầu khi nước mưa rơi xuống (lands on) mái của một ngôi nhà.
Nước này được dẫn vào máng xối, từ đó (from which) nó chảy xuống một ống thẳng đứng.
Tại thời điểm này, thiết bị xả nước đầu tách riêng (separates out) phần nước ban đầu bẩn nhất.
Phần nước còn lại sau đó được lọc, việc này loại bỏ lá và các mảnh vụn (debris) khác.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, nước đã lọc được chứa (held) trong bồn trữ ngầm.
Bất cứ khi nào cần (Whenever it is required), nước được bơm từ bồn vào nhà.
Trước khi sử dụng (Prior to use), nước được xử lý thêm, đi qua bộ lọc tinh và tiếp xúc với tia UV để diệt vi khuẩn.
Cuối cùng, nước được cung cấp cho nhiều mục đích sinh hoạt, từ (ranging from) uống và giặt giũ đến xả bồn cầu và tưới vườn.
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.
- , rain falls on the roof of a house.
- The water goes gutters.
- The first dirty water is taken .
- Leaves and dirt are taken .
- the second part, the clean water is kept in a tank.
- A pump sends the water up the house.
- The water is cleaned again a small filter.
- , people use the water.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), mưa rơi trên mái nhà.
Tiếp theo (Next), nước chảy vào máng xối.
Sau đó (Then), nước bẩn đầu tiên được loại ra.
Sau đó (After that), nước đi qua bộ lọc.
Cuối cùng (Finally), mọi người dùng nước.
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.
- , rain falls onto the roof.
- The water is collected gutters.
- The first dirty water is removed a special device.
- The water passes through a filter, removes leaves.
- The filtered water is stored an underground tank.
- the water is needed, it is pumped up.
- The water is treated kill bacteria.
- , the water is used in the home.
Part B – Translate with Band 5.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Trước tiên (To begin with), mưa rơi xuống mái nhà.
Nước đi qua bộ lọc, bộ lọc này (which) loại bỏ lá.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai (In the second stage), nước được trữ trong bồn.
Khi (When) cần nước, nước được bơm lên.
Nước được xử lý để (to) diệt vi khuẩn.
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 rain falls onto the roof.
- The water flows a pipe.
- The first, dirtiest water is diverted .
- The water is filtered remove leaves and dirt.
- the second phase, the water is stored.
- it is needed, the water is pumped up.
- The water is treated in order kill bacteria.
- The water is used for a range of purposes, drinking.
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) mưa rơi xuống mái.
Nước được gom trong máng xối và (and) chảy xuống ống.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, nước được trữ.
Trước khi (Before) được dùng, nước được xử lý.
Nước được dùng cho nhiều mục đích, bao gồm (including) uống.
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 when rainwater on the roof.
- The water is into gutters.
- It flows down a pipe.
- A first-flush diverter separates the dirtiest water.
- The filter removes leaves and other .
- it is required, the water is pumped.
- to use, the water undergoes further treatment.
- The uses range drinking to watering the garden.
Part B – Translate with Band 7.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Nước được dẫn vào máng xối, từ đó (from which) nó chảy xuống ống.
Tại thời điểm này (At this point), thiết bị tách riêng nước bẩn.
Bất cứ khi nào cần (Whenever), nước được bơm vào nhà.
Trước khi sử dụng (Prior to use), nước được xử lý thêm.
Nước được dùng cho nhiều việc, từ (ranging from) uống đến tưới vườn.
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 rainwater is collected and treated | how rainwater is collected and cleaned | the process of collecting and cleaning rainwater | the stages involved in collecting and treating rainwater | the operation of a domestic system for harvesting and purifying rainwater |
| for use in the home | for use in a house | so that it can be used at home | so that it can be used in the home | for household use |
The diagram shows how rainwater is collected and cleaned for use in a house.
Band 4.5: changes “treated” to “cleaned” and “the home” to “a house” – simple and correct.
The diagram illustrates the process of collecting and cleaning rainwater so that it can be used at home.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a noun phrase with -ing forms and a “so that” clause.
The diagram illustrates the stages involved in collecting and treating rainwater so that it can be used in the home.
Band 6.5: a noun phrase with “involved in” and an accurate purpose clause.
The given diagram depicts the operation of a domestic system for harvesting and purifying rainwater for household use.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), a complex noun phrase (the operation of a domestic system for …) and accurate collocations (harvesting rainwater, household use).
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how rainwater is collected and cleaned / a system for harvesting rainwater for use in a house / for household use.
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 “first-flush diverter”, “UV light” or the list of uses).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are eight steps in this process. It starts with rain falling on a roof and finishes with people using the water in the house.
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 rainwater is collected and cleaned, and in the last four stages, it is stored, treated and used in the house. The water is cleaned more than once.
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 and cleaning the rainwater, and storing, treating and using it. It is clear that the water is cleaned several times before it reaches the house.
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 system involves eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – the collection and initial cleaning of rainwater, followed by its storage, further treatment and use – with the water being filtered at several points before it is fit for use.
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) → Body 2: Stages 5–8 (Storing, treating and using). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- collected →
- treated →
- in the home →
- kept →
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, rain on the roof of a house. Next, the water goes into and then into a pipe. Then, the first water is taken away. After that, the water goes through a , and leaves and dirt are taken out.
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 4.5)
Choose 1–5 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, rain falls onto the of a house. Next, the water is in gutters and flows into a pipe. After that, the first dirty water from the roof is by a special device. Next, the water passes through a filter, removes leaves and dirt.
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 rain falls onto the of a house. After this, the water is collected in gutters and down a pipe. Following this, the first, dirtiest water is away by a first-flush device. The water is then filtered to remove leaves and .
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 when rainwater on the roof of a house. This water is into gutters, from which it flows down a vertical pipe. At this point, a first-flush diverter separates out the initial, water. The remaining water is subsequently filtered, which removes leaves and other .
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.