The Task
The diagram below shows how a solar hot-water system works in a house.
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 6 stages. It is a man-made system shown as a cycle: water is heated by the sun in a roof panel, stored and used in the house, and the cooler water flows back to the panel.
Phase 1 – Heating the water (Stages 1–3)
- 1Sunlight on the panelSunlight shines on a solar panel on the roof.
- 2Water heated in the panelWater in the tubes of the panel is heated.
- 3Hot water risesThe hot water rises through a pipe into the storage tank.
Phase 2 – Storing, using and returning the water (Stages 4–6)
- 4StorageThe hot water is stored in an insulated tank, which is topped up with cold water.
- 5Hot water usedHot water flows from the tank to the taps and showers in the house.
- 6Cooler water returnsCooler water sinks to the bottom of the tank and flows back to the panel.
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 Sunlight on the panel | First + N + shines on + N + on + N |
| 2 Water heated in the panel | Next + N + in + N + gets + adj, about + temperature |
| 3 Hot water rises | Then + adj + N + goes up + N + to + N |
| 4 Storage | In the second part + adj + N + is + V3 + in + N, and + adj + N + goes into + N + too |
| 5 Hot water used | After that + adj + N + goes to + N and N + in + N |
| 6 Cooler water returns | Finally + adj + N + at + N + goes back to + N, and + the cycle + starts again |
| Stage | Band 5.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Sunlight on the panel | To begin with + N + shines onto + N, that + is + V3 + on + N |
| 2 Water heated in the panel | After that + N + inside + N + is + V3 + to about + temperature |
| 3 Hot water rises | Next + adj + N + rises + through + N + and goes into + N |
| 4 Storage | In the second stage + adj + N + is + V3 + in + adj + N, and + adj + N + from + N + is + V3 + to + it |
| 5 Hot water used | Then + adj + N + flows + from + N + to + N and N |
| 6 Cooler water returns | Finally + adj-er + N + from + N + flows back down to + N + to be + V3 + again |
| Stage | Band 6.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Sunlight on the panel | The process begins when + N + strikes + N + V3 + on + N (reduced clause) |
| 2 Water heated in the panel | Following this + N + V-ing + through + N (reduced clause) + is + V3 + to approximately + temperature |
| 3 Hot water rises | Once + V3 + N + rises + through + N + and enters + adj + N |
| 4 Storage | Turning to the second phase + adj + N + is + V3 + in + adj + N, which + is also + phrasal V3 + with + adj + N + from + N |
| 5 Hot water used | When + it + is + V3 + adj + N + is + precise V3 + from + N + to + N and N + in + N |
| 6 Cooler water returns | In the final stage + adj-er + N + sinks to + N + and returns to + N, where + it + is + V3 |
| Stage | Band 7.5 formula |
|---|---|
| 1 Sunlight on the panel | The process commences with + N + V-ing + compound adj + N |
| 2 Water heated in the panel | Subsequently + N + V-ing + in + N + absorbs + this + N, reaching around + temperature |
| 3 Hot water rises | Once + V3 + this + N + rises through + adj + N, eventually + V-ing + N |
| 4 Storage | Turning to the second phase + adj + N + is + V3 + in + adj + N, which + is + precise V3 + with + adj + N + from + N |
| 5 Hot water used | Whenever + V3 + adj + N + is + V3 + from + N + and + V3 + to + N and N + throughout + N |
| 6 Cooler water returns | In the final stage + adj-er + N + that + V + at + N + flows back down to + N, ready to be + V3, and so + the cycle + continues |
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 – 6 sentences
Đầu tiên, mặt trời chiếu (shines) vào tấm thu nhiệt trên mái nhà.
Tiếp theo, nước trong tấm thu nhiệt nóng lên (gets hot), khoảng 60°C.
Sau đó, nước nóng đi lên theo một đường ống (pipe) đến bồn chứa.
Ở phần thứ hai, nước nóng được giữ (kept) trong bồn, và nước lạnh cũng đi vào bồn.
Sau đó, nước nóng đi đến các vòi (taps) và vòi sen trong nhà.
Cuối cùng, nước lạnh ở đáy bồn quay trở lại (goes back) tấm thu nhiệt, và chu trình bắt đầu lại.
Band 5.5 – 6 sentences
Trước tiên, ánh nắng chiếu lên một tấm thu nhiệt được gắn (fixed) trên mái nhà.
Sau đó, nước bên trong tấm thu nhiệt được làm nóng (heated) đến khoảng 60°C.
Tiếp theo, nước nóng dâng lên (rises) qua một đường ống và đi vào bồn chứa.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, nước nóng được trữ trong bồn cách nhiệt (insulated), và nước lạnh từ nguồn cấp được thêm vào.
Sau đó, nước nóng chảy (flows) từ bồn đến các vòi nước và vòi sen.
Cuối cùng, nước nguội hơn từ đáy bồn chảy ngược xuống tấm thu nhiệt để được làm nóng (heated) lại.
Band 6.5 – 6 sentences
Quá trình bắt đầu khi ánh nắng chiếu (strikes) vào tấm thu nhiệt được lắp trên mái nhà.
Tiếp theo đó, nước chảy qua các ống (tubes) của tấm thu nhiệt được làm nóng đến khoảng 60°C.
Một khi đã được làm nóng, nước dâng lên qua đường ống và đi vào (enters) bồn chứa.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, nước nóng được trữ trong bồn cách nhiệt, bồn này cũng được bổ sung (topped up) nước lạnh từ nguồn cấp.
Khi cần (needed), nước nóng được cấp từ bồn đến các vòi nước và vòi sen trong nhà.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, nước nguội hơn chìm xuống đáy bồn và quay về tấm thu nhiệt, nơi nó được làm nóng lại (reheated).
Band 7.5 – 6 sentences
Quá trình bắt đầu với việc ánh nắng chiếu vào một tấm thu nhiệt lắp trên mái (roof-mounted).
Sau đó, nước tuần hoàn trong các ống của tấm thu nhiệt hấp thụ (absorbs) nhiệt này, đạt khoảng 60°C.
Một khi đã nóng lên, nước này dâng lên qua một đường ống nối (connecting pipe), cuối cùng đi vào bồn chứa.
Chuyển sang giai đoạn thứ hai, nước nóng được giữ trong bồn cách nhiệt, bồn này được bổ sung (replenished) nước lạnh từ nguồn cấp.
Bất cứ khi nào cần (required), nước nóng được lấy từ bồn và cấp đến các vòi nước và vòi sen khắp ngôi nhà.
Ở giai đoạn cuối, nước nguội lắng ở đáy bồn chảy ngược về tấm thu nhiệt, sẵn sàng được làm nóng lại, và do đó chu trình tiếp diễn (continues).
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 sun shines on a solar panel on the roof.
- The water in the panel gets hot, 60°C.
- , the hot water goes up a pipe.
- The hot water goes up a pipe a tank.
- the second part, the hot water is kept in the tank.
- Cold water goes into the tank .
- , the hot water goes to the taps and showers.
- , the cold water goes back to the panel.
Part B – Translate with Band 4.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Đầu tiên (First), mặt trời chiếu vào tấm thu nhiệt.
Tiếp theo (Next), nước trong tấm thu nhiệt nóng lên.
Sau đó (Then), nước nóng đi lên bồn chứa.
Sau đó (After that), nước nóng đi đến các vòi nước.
Cuối cùng (Finally), nước lạnh quay về tấm thu nhiệt.
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.
- , sunlight shines onto a solar panel.
- Sunlight shines onto a panel is fixed on the roof.
- that, the water inside the panel is heated.
- The hot water rises through a pipe goes into a tank.
- the second stage, the hot water is stored.
- Cold water from the supply is added it.
- , the hot water flows to the taps and showers.
- , cooler water flows back down to the panel.
Part B – Translate with Band 5.5 linkers (5 sentences)
Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.
Trước tiên (To begin with), ánh nắng chiếu lên tấm thu nhiệt.
Ánh nắng chiếu lên một tấm thu nhiệt mà (that) được gắn trên mái nhà.
Nước nóng dâng lên qua đường ống và (and) đi vào bồn chứa.
Ở giai đoạn thứ hai (In the second stage), nước nóng được trữ trong bồn.
Nước nguội chảy về tấm thu nhiệt để (to) được làm nóng lại.
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 sunlight strikes a solar panel.
- The water through the tubes is heated.
- heated, the water rises through a pipe.
- the second phase, the hot water is stored.
- The water is stored in a tank, is topped up with cold water.
- it is needed, hot water is supplied to the taps.
- Cooler water returns to the panel, it is reheated.
- , cooler water sinks to the bottom of the tank.
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) ánh nắng chiếu vào tấm thu nhiệt.
Một khi (Once) đã được làm nóng, nước dâng lên bồn chứa.
Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, nước nóng được trữ trong bồn.
Bồn chứa, bồn này (which) được bổ sung nước lạnh, được cách nhiệt.
Nước nguội quay về tấm thu nhiệt, nơi mà (where) nó được làm nóng 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 sunlight striking a roof-mounted panel.
- , the water absorbs this heat.
- The water absorbs the heat, around 60°C.
- The water rises through a pipe, entering a storage tank.
- The tank is with cold water from the mains.
- required, hot water is drawn from the tank.
- Hot water is delivered to taps the house.
- The cooler water flows back to the panel, ready to reheated.
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 ánh nắng chiếu vào tấm thu nhiệt.
Sau đó (Subsequently), nước trong các ống hấp thụ nhiệt.
Nước dâng lên qua đường ống, cuối cùng (eventually) đi vào bồn chứa.
Bất cứ khi nào (Whenever) cần, nước nóng được lấy từ bồn.
Nước nguội chảy về tấm thu nhiệt, và do đó (and so) chu trình tiếp diễn.
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 a solar hot-water system works | how a solar hot-water system works | how a solar hot-water system heats water | how a solar hot-water system operates | the operation of a solar water-heating system |
| in a house | in a house | for a house | in a home | in a household |
The diagram shows how a solar hot-water system works in a house, from the sun heating the water to the water going back to the panel.
Band 4.5: clear but copies the task sentence and adds a simple from … to … phrase.
The diagram illustrates how a solar hot-water system heats water for a house and how the water moves around the system.
Band 5.5: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a how-clause with a more precise verb (heats water) and an added accurate how-clause.
The diagram illustrates how a solar hot-water system operates in a home, from the heating of water in a roof panel to its return to the panel.
Band 6.5: precise verb (operates), an accurate synonym (in a home) and nominal phrases (the heating of water, its return).
The given diagram depicts the operation of a solar water-heating system in a household, tracing the movement of water from a roof-mounted panel to the taps and back again.
Band 7.5: precise verb (depicts), nominalisation (the operation of), a compound noun (water-heating system) and a participle clause (tracing the movement …).
The diagram shows / illustrates / depicts how a solar hot-water system works / the operation of a solar water-heating system in a house / a home.
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 “60°C”, “insulated”, “taps and showers” or “cold water supply”).
Band 4.5 formula
Overall, there are six steps in this process. It starts with the sun shining on a solar panel and finishes with cold water going back to the panel, 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 six stages in the process. The first three stages heat the water, and the last three store it, use it and send it back. The process begins with sunlight shining onto a solar panel and ends with cooler water returning to the panel, 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 six stages in the process, which can be divided into two main phases: heating the water and storing, using and returning it. The process begins with sunlight striking a solar panel and ends with the return of cooler water to the panel, 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 six distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – heating the water and its storage, use and return – commencing with sunlight striking the solar panel and culminating in the return of cooler water to the panel, 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 1–3 (Heating the water) → Body 2: Stages 4–6 (Storing, using and returning the water). Your writing is saved on this device.
Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase
Choose the best synonym for each word from the task.
- shows →
- works →
- house →
- system →
- 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, the sun on a solar panel on the . Next, the water in the panel gets hot, about °C. Then, the hot water goes up a to a storage .
Exercise 4 – Put Body 2 in order (Band 4.5)
Choose 1–3 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, sunlight shines onto a solar that is fixed on the roof. After that, the water the panel is heated to about °C. Next, the hot water through a pipe and goes into a tank.
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 sunlight strikes a solar panel mounted on the of a house. Following this, the water flowing through the of the panel is heated to approximately 60°C. heated, the water rises through a pipe and a storage tank.
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 sunlight a roof-mounted solar panel. Subsequently, the water circulating in the panel's tubes this heat, around 60°C. Once heated, this water rises through a pipe, entering a storage tank.
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 1–3)
Write the stages in order with a different linker for each.
Words: 0 (about 55–75 words)
Exercise 8 – Body 2 (Stages 4–6)
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.