The Task
The diagram below shows how soil is formed.
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 natural process shown as a linear sequence: bare rock is slowly broken down, living things are added, and layers of soil are finally formed.
Phase 1 – Breaking down the rock (Stages 1–3)
- 1Bare rockThe process starts with bare rock.
- 2Weathering*Rain, ice and heat crack the rock.
- 3Small piecesThe rock becomes small stones and sand.
Phase 2 – Living things build the soil (Stages 4–8)
- 4Lichens and mossesLichens and mosses grow on the rock.
- 5Humus formsDead plants rot and form humus.
- 6Larger plantsLarger plants grow; roots break the rock further.
- 7Animals mix the soilWorms and insects mix the soil.
- 8Soil layersLayers of soil form over the rock.
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 Bare rock | First + there + is + only + adj + N |
| 2 Weathering* | Next + N, N and N + break + the + N |
| 3 Small pieces | Then + the + N + becomes + adj + N and N |
| 4 Lichens and mosses | In the second part + adj + N + like + N and N + grow + on the + N |
| 5 Humus forms | Next + these + N + die and rot + and + they + make + a + adj + N + called + N |
| 6 Larger plants | After that + adj-er + N + grow, and + their + N + break + the + N + more |
| 7 Animals mix the soil | Then + N and N + live + in the + N + and mix + it |
| 8 Soil layers | Finally + N + of + N + are there: N, N and N + at the bottom |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Bare rock | At the beginning + there + is + only + adj + N + on the + N |
| 2 Weathering* | Next + the + N + is + V3 + by + N, N and N |
| 3 Small pieces | As a result + the + N + breaks into + adj + N and N |
| 4 Lichens and mosses | In the second stage + adj + N + such as + N and N + start to grow + on the + N |
| 5 Humus forms | When + these + N + die, they + rot and form + N, a + adj + N |
| 6 Larger plants | After that + adj-er + N + grow + in the + N, and + their + N + break + the + N + into + adj-er + N |
| 7 Animals mix the soil | Next + N and N + move into + the + N + and mix + it |
| 8 Soil layers | Finally + N + of + N + form: N + at the top, N + in the middle and N + at the bottom |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Bare rock | The process begins with + an area of + adj + N + with no + N or N |
| 2 Weathering* | Over time + the + N + is + adverb + V3 + down + by + N, N and N, a process known as + N |
| 3 Small pieces | As a result + the + N + breaks into + adj + N and N |
| 4 Lichens and mosses | Turning to the second phase + adj + N + such as + N and N + begin to grow on + the + N |
| 5 Humus forms | When + S + die + they + decay and form + N, which + mixes with + the + N |
| 6 Larger plants | Following this + adj-er + N + grow, and + their + N + break + the + N + into even + adj-er + N |
| 7 Animals mix the soil | Next + the + N + is + V3 + by + N and N, which + live in + it |
| 8 Soil layers | In the final stage + adj + N + of + N + are + V3, with + N + above + N and N + at the bottom |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Bare rock | The starting point is + an expanse of + adj + N, devoid of both + N and N |
| 2 Weathering* | Over time + this + N + is + adverb + V3 + down + by + N, N and N, a process referred to as + N |
| 3 Small pieces | Consequently + the + N + fragments into + adj + N and N |
| 4 Lichens and mosses | Turning to the second phase + adj + N + such as + N and N + begin to colonise + the + N |
| 5 Humus forms | As + S + die and decompose + they + produce + N, a + adj + adj + N + which + mixes with + the + N |
| 6 Larger plants | This allows + N + to + take root, their + N + V-ing + the + N + into ever + adj-er + N |
| 7 Animals mix the soil | S + is then + V3 + by + N and N, which + inhabit + it |
| 8 Soil layers | Ultimately + adj + N + of + N + develop, with + N + V-ing + above + N and the + adj + N + at the base |
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, chỉ có đá trơ trụi (bare rock).
Tiếp theo, mưa, băng và nhiệt làm vỡ (break) đá.
Sau đó, đá trở thành (becomes) những viên đá nhỏ và cát.
Ở phần thứ hai, những cây nhỏ như địa y và rêu mọc (grow) trên đá.
Tiếp theo, những cây này chết và mục rữa, và chúng tạo ra (make) một chất màu sẫm gọi là mùn.
Sau đó, những cây lớn hơn mọc lên, và rễ của chúng làm vỡ (break) đá nhiều hơn.
Sau đó, giun và côn trùng sống trong đất và trộn (mix) nó.
Cuối cùng, các lớp đất được hình thành: lớp đất mặt (topsoil), lớp đất dưới và đá ở dưới cùng.
Band 5.5 – 8 sentences
Lúc đầu (At the beginning), chỉ có đá trơ trụi trên bề mặt.
Tiếp theo, đá bị mưa, băng và nhiệt làm vỡ (is broken).
Kết quả là (As a result), đá vỡ thành những viên đá nhỏ và cát.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, những loài cây đơn giản như (such as) địa y và rêu bắt đầu mọc trên đá.
Khi (When) những cây này chết, chúng mục rữa và tạo thành mùn, một chất màu sẫm.
Sau đó, những cây lớn hơn mọc trong đất, và rễ (roots) của chúng làm đá vỡ thành những mảnh nhỏ hơn.
Tiếp theo, giun và côn trùng chuyển vào (move into) đất và trộn nó.
Cuối cùng, các lớp đất hình thành: lớp đất mặt ở trên, lớp đất dưới ở giữa (in the middle) và đá ở dưới cùng.
Band 6.5 – 8 sentences
Quá trình bắt đầu với một khu vực (an area of) đá trơ trụi, không có đất hay cây cối.
Theo thời gian, đá dần dần bị phá vỡ bởi mưa, băng và nhiệt, một quá trình được gọi là phong hoá (weathering).
Kết quả là, đá vỡ thành những viên đá nhỏ và cát (sand).
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, những loài cây đơn giản như địa y và rêu bắt đầu mọc (begin to grow) trên đá.
Khi những cây này chết, chúng phân huỷ (decay) và tạo thành mùn, chất này trộn lẫn với cát.
Tiếp sau đó, những cây lớn hơn mọc lên, và rễ của chúng làm đá vỡ thành những mảnh thậm chí (even) nhỏ hơn.
Tiếp theo, đất được giun và côn trùng trộn đều (mixed), những con vật này sống trong đất.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, các lớp đất riêng biệt (distinct) được hình thành, với lớp đất mặt nằm trên lớp đất dưới và đá ở đáy.
Band 7.5 – 8 sentences
Điểm khởi đầu là một vùng đá trơ trụi rộng lớn, hoàn toàn không có (devoid of) đất lẫn thực vật.
Theo thời gian, khối đá này dần bị phá vỡ bởi mưa, băng và nhiệt, một quá trình được gọi là (referred to as) phong hoá.
Do đó (Consequently), đá vỡ vụn thành đá nhỏ và cát.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, những sinh vật đơn giản như địa y và rêu bắt đầu xâm chiếm (colonise) bề mặt đá.
Khi những cây này chết và phân huỷ (decompose), chúng tạo ra mùn, một chất hữu cơ màu sẫm trộn lẫn với cát.
Điều này cho phép cây lớn hơn bén rễ (take root), rễ của chúng tách đá thành những mảnh ngày càng nhỏ hơn.
Đất sau đó được giun và côn trùng trộn đều, những loài này cư trú (inhabit) trong đất.
Cuối cùng (Ultimately), các lớp đất riêng biệt hình thành, với lớp đất mặt nằm trên lớp đất dưới và đá gốc ở đáy.
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.
- , there is only bare rock.
- Rain, ice heat break the rock.
- , the rock becomes small stones and sand.
- the second part, lichens and mosses grow.
- Small plants grow the rock.
- The plants die and rot, and they make a dark material humus.
- Worms and insects live the soil.
- , layers of soil are there.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), chỉ có đá trơ trụi.
Tiếp theo (Next), mưa và băng làm vỡ đá.
Sau đó (Then), đá trở thành cát.
Sau đó (After that), những cây lớn hơn mọc lên.
Cuối cùng (Finally), các lớp đất được hình thành.
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 beginning, there is only bare rock.
- The rock is broken rain, ice and heat.
- a result, the rock breaks into small stones.
- Simple plants as lichens start to grow.
- these plants die, they rot.
- Their roots break the rock smaller pieces.
- Worms and insects move the soil.
- , layers of soil form.
Part B – Translate with Band 5.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Lúc đầu (At the beginning), chỉ có đá trơ trụi.
Đá bị mưa và băng (by rain and ice) làm vỡ.
Kết quả là (As a result), đá vỡ thành cát.
Những cây đơn giản như (such as) rêu bắt đầu mọc.
Khi (When) những cây này chết, chúng mục rữa.
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 an area of bare rock.
- time, the rock is gradually broken down.
- This is a process known weathering.
- the second phase, lichens begin to grow.
- The plants decay and form humus, mixes with the sand.
- this, larger plants grow.
- Their roots break the rock into smaller pieces.
- Distinct layers of soil are formed, topsoil above subsoil.
Part B – Translate with Band 6.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Quá trình bắt đầu với (begins with) một vùng đá trơ trụi.
Theo thời gian (Over time), đá dần bị phá vỡ.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, địa y bắt đầu mọc.
Cây phân huỷ tạo thành mùn, chất này (which) trộn với cát.
Các lớp đất được hình thành, với (with) lớp đất mặt ở trên.
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 starting point is an of bare rock.
- The rock is devoid both soil and vegetation.
- This is a process referred to weathering.
- , the rock fragments into small stones and sand.
- Lichens and mosses begin to the rock.
- As these plants die and , they produce humus.
- This allows larger plants to take .
- Worms and insects the soil and mix it.
Part B – Translate with Band 7.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Điểm khởi đầu (The starting point) là một vùng đá trơ trụi.
Đá dần bị phá vỡ, một quá trình được gọi là (referred to as) phong hoá.
Do đó (Consequently), đá vỡ vụn thành cát.
Điều này cho phép (allows) cây lớn hơn bén rễ.
Cuối cùng (Ultimately), các lớp đất riêng biệt hình thành.
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 soil is formed | how soil is made | the process of soil formation | the stages in the formation of soil | the gradual process by which soil develops |
| from rock | from bare rock | from bare rock | from bare rock | |
| over a very long period | over thousands of years |
The diagram shows how soil is made from rock.
Band 4.5: changes “formed” to “made” and adds “from rock”.
The diagram illustrates the process of soil formation from bare rock.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates) and a noun phrase (the process of soil formation).
The diagram illustrates the stages in the formation of soil from bare rock over a very long period.
Band 6.5: nominalisation (the formation of) and an added time phrase (over a very long period) taken from the diagram note.
The given diagram depicts the gradual process by which soil develops from bare rock over thousands of years.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), a “process by which” relative clause and an accurate time phrase.
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how soil is formed / the formation of soil from bare rock over thousands of years.
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 “lichens”, “humus”, “worms” or the names of the layers).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are eight steps in this process, and it takes thousands of years. It starts with bare rock and finishes with layers of soil.
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, which takes thousands of years. In the first three stages, the rock is broken into small pieces, and in the last five stages, plants and animals help to make the soil. At the end, there are three layers.
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 and takes thousands of years. It can be divided into two main phases: the breaking down of rock and the building of soil by living things, which ends with the formation of distinct layers.
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, soil formation is an extremely slow process which spans thousands of years and involves eight distinct stages, falling into two main phases – the physical breakdown of rock and the gradual contribution of living organisms – and culminating in the development of distinct soil layers.
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 (Breaking down the rock) → Body 2: Stages 4–8 (Living things build the soil). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- formed →
- break →
- rot →
- live in →
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, there is only rock. Next, rain, ice and heat the rock. Then, the rock becomes small stones and . In the second part, small plants like lichens and mosses on the rock.
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.
At the beginning, there is only bare rock on the . Next, the rock by rain, ice and heat. As a result, the rock into small stones and sand.
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 an area of rock with no soil or plants. Over time, the rock is broken down by rain, ice and heat, a process known as . As a result, the rock breaks into small stones and sand.
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 starting point is an of bare rock, devoid of both soil and vegetation. Over time, this rock is gradually broken down by rain, ice and heat, a process referred to as . , the rock fragments into small stones and sand.
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.