Unit 1. Day 1. Writing Task 1.

Diagram
I. QUESTION TYPES & TEMPLATES
1. Production process

• Paragraph 1: Introduction (1 sentence/ diagram)

• Paragraph 2: Overview (1 or 2 sentences)
• Paragraph 3: Description of the first half of the process (3 - 4 sentences)
• Paragraph 4: Description of the second half of the process (3 - 4 sentences)
2. Structural process

• Paragraph 1: Introduction (1 sentence/ diagram)

• Paragraph 2: Overview (1 or 2 sentences)
• Paragraph 3: Description of the structure (3 - 4 sentences)
• Paragraph 4: How the structure works (3 sentences)
3. Natural process

• Paragraph 1: Introduction (1 sentence/ diagram)

• Paragraph 2: Overview (1 or 2 sentences)
• Paragraph 3: Description of the first half of the process (3 - 4 sentences)
• Paragraph 4: Description of the second half of the process (3 - 4 sentences)
II. MODEL ANSWERS
1. Production process

The diagrams below show the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process, and how
cement is used to produce concrete for building purposes.

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Introduction (1 sentence):

The diagrams illustrate the production of cement, and how to use cement to make concrete.

Overview (2 sentences):

It is clear from the diagrams that there are five stages in the process of making cement.
Meanwhile, only two steps are required to produce concrete.

Body 1 (3 -4 sentences):

At the first stage of producing cement, limestone and clay are put through a machine called
crusher and become powder. This powder is then mixed and is brought into a rotating heater where it
is heated in high temperature. The process continues with grinding the material, and then cement is
produced. At the final stage, cement is packaged into bags and is ready for the production of concrete.

Body 2 (3 -4 sentences):

Regarding the second diagram, the first step of making concrete is combining different materials.
Concrete consists of mainly gravel, which is small stones, and this makes up 50% of the ingredients.
Cement is mixed with water, sand and small stones in the proportions of 10%, 25% and 50%
respectively. This mixture is then poured into a concrete mixer which continually rotates to combine
the materials and ultimately produce final concrete used for building purposes.

(183 words)
2. Structural process

The diagrams show a structure that is used to generate electricity from wave power.

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Introduction (1 sentence):

The two diagrams illustrate how electricity can be generated from the rise and fall of water caused by
sea waves.

Overview (2 sentences):
In general, it can be seen that this structure is used to create electricity using the entering and retreating
of water. One interesting point is that in both phrases, when sea waves rise or fall, electricity is generated.
Body 1 (3 -4 sentences):

The process involves a structure which is mounted on the side of a cliff or sea wall and consists of a large
chamber. One end of the chamber is open to the sea, and the other leads into a vertical column, which is
open to the atmosphere. A turbine is installed inside this column and this is used to generate the electricity
in two phases.

Body 2 (3 -4 sentences):

When a wave approaches the device, water is forced into the chamber, applying pressure on the air within
the column. This air escapes to atmosphere through the turbine, thereby producing electricity. As the
water level falls, the air from outside the column is sucked back in through the turbine. As a result,
electricity continues to be generated. The turbine rotates only in one direction, regardless of the direction
of the air flow.

(195 words)

3. Natural process

The diagram below shows the life cycle of a frog.

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 Introduction (1 sentence):

The diagram illustrates the different stages in the development of a frog during its life cycle.

Overview (2 sentences):

Overall, it is clear from the diagram that there are six distinct stages in this life cycle, from egg to mature
frog. The cycle happens underwater and on land.

Body 1 (3 -4 sentences):

Initially, the eggs, which are called frogspawn, are laid in the water and float on the surface of the pond.
Subsequently, frogspawn hatches and small tadpoles emerge. Over time, a tadpole develops as its body
and tail eventually become bigger and longer. At this point, its limbs begin to form in order to prepare the
tadpole for its future life on land.

Body 2 (3 -4 sentences):

In the next stage of the cycle, the tadpole starts to transform into a young frog with a wider mouth, a
reduced tail, and bigger legs. At this time, the young frog continues to grows in size and live in the pond
until it is ready to leave the water. When the frog moves onto land, it breaths air and loses its tail. Finally,
the frog is fully mature to produce eggs and the life cycle begins again. (185 words)

III. STRUCTURES & EXPRESSIONS

1. Introduction: The diagram(s) illustrates/ highlights:
a. how to produce/ make + N
b. how + N + is produced/ made/ manufactured
c. the steps/ stages (and equipment) used/ involved in the production/ process of
making + N
d. the process by which + N is produced/ made/ manufactured
2. Overview
a. the number of stages, naming or listing the first and the last stages:
i. Overall, it is clear from the diagram(s) that…
▪ there are … steps/ stages in the production of/ process of making…/the life cycle/ the
development of ..., from + V-ing… to + V-ing…
▪ the production/ the process of producing of …includes… main stages/steps.
ii. Meanwhile/ Moreover, (only) … steps are required to produce…
b. the materials and the equipment involved
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 c. the different phases/sections of the process
3. Body
a. Verb forms for process diagrams
i. Present simple – active: become
At the beginning of the process, limestone and clay are crushed and become powder.
ii. Present simple – passive: is/ are + V ed: is/are crushed
First of all, limestone and clay are crushed and become powder.
iii. is + to + infinitive:
The first step is to take the patient’s temperature.
iv. V-ing: crushing
The process begins with crushing limestone and clay in order to make powder.
v. Being + V ed: being crushed
The process begins with limestone and clay being crushed into powder.
vi. V-er: crusher
At the first step, limestone and clay are put through a (machine called) crusher and
become powder.
vii. Present perfect: have been picked
Once/ When/ After + present perfect, present simple

EX: The tea leaves are picked and then they are put in the sun to dry.
→Once the tea leaves have been picked, they are put in the sun to dry.
→Once having been picked, the tea leaves are put in the sun to dry.
*Score-saver: …Once this has been done, it is then followed by a stage/ step called….

b. Sequencing words and phrases

The first step The next step(s) The last step
First, / First of all, Then/ After/ Once... Finally
At the beginning of the process, Subsequently, The final step/ stage is
At the first step, After this/ that, The last step/ stage is
To begin with,/ Initially, At this point
The process of... begins with The next step is that
The first step/ stage is that Following this
The following step is

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 c. Signal words for alternative steps
Sometimes a diagram will show two or more ways to complete a process. You should use signal
words to indicate that a process can follow two possible directions.
• either/ or
At this point, either ... or ... can take place.
• Alternatively,
The next step is for D2 to happen. Alternatively, D3 might occur.
• If..., (then)...
If B1 happens, then C1 occurs. However, if B2 takes place, C2 happens.
IV. PRACTICE

Exam skill 1: Writing the introduction and overview

As in other types of Task 1 question, in the introduction to a process, you need to rewrite the
question in your own words. There are several ways in which you can do this.
• The pictures illustrates how tea is produced
• The pictures show the steps involved in making tea.
• The diagram highlights the process by which tea is produced
1. Write an introductory sentence for these Task 1 questions
a. The diagram shows how to produce potato chips
b. The pictures show how people get a driving licence.

Write the overview

You can also add a ‘mini-overview’ sentence to the introduction to give a short summary of
the process. This can mean describing the:
• number of stages, and listing the first and last stages;
• different sections of the process (e.g. producing tea/ making a cup of tea).
3. Complete the mini-overview below for the tea-making process using the words in the box.

drinking from planting steps to

There are eighteen 1……………in the process, 2………………….. 3…………………….the tea seeds in the ground
4…………….. 5……………….a nice cup of tea.

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4. Natural processes are often describe using the active form, whereas manufacturing processes are
usually described using the passive. Read the examples. Then complete 1-6 with the correct forms of the
verbs in brackets.

Examples

A river flows from its source to the ocean. (active)

Many electronic goods are manufactured in Japan. (passive: Be + past participle)

Limestone is the main ingredient of cement. Firstly, it ………………. (1)

(extract) from the ground. Then, at the factory, it …………………… (2) (heat)
to a high temperature with other ingredients. After this, it ………………………..
(3) (cool) with blasts of cold air.

When warm air ……………………………… (4) (reach) high ground, it is forced to

rise, as, as a result, it …………………………. (5) (cool). Moisture in the air
……………………………….. (6) (condense) to form rain.

5. When describing processes, make sure the subject and verb agree. Read the example, then complete 1-
8 with the correct forms of the verbs in brackets.

Example: The sun shines and the temperature rises.

Some rock formations ………. (1) (hold) large amounts of water. When it ……… (2) (rain), the tines spaces in
the rock gradually ……………. (3) (fill) with water so that the rock ……… (4) (become) saturated. The top of this
saturated zone is called the water table. If long periods of rain ……. (5) (occur), the water table ……… (6)
(rise). If there is no rain, the rock ……… (7) (begin) to dry out and the water table ……… (8) (fall).

6. Use the notes below to write short paragraphs about production processes.

Example

The production of a car involves various stages. car/design; prototype/make; car/mass-produce;

car/distribute; car/sell

After the car is designed, a prototype is made and the car is mass-produced. The car is then distributed and
sold.

a. The production of a motorcycle involves various stages. motorcycle/design; prototype/make;

prototype/test; motorcycle/manufacture; motorcycle/export; motorcycle/sell.
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 b. The diagram shows the various stages in the production of bread. wheat/plant; crop/harvest;
wheat/transport to the mill; wheat/make flour; flour/buy/baker; bread/bake; bread/sole.

7. Some diagrams require descriptions using past tenses. Complete the paragraph with the verbs from the
box.

a. died and dropped

b. was formed
c. lived
d. was covered
e. was trapped
f. turned
g. is now mined
h. built up

The diagrams show the process by which coal (1) …………. over a period of millions of years. First of all, large
plants (2) …………… in enormous swamps a long time ago. These (3) …………… to the bottom of the water.
Over the years, the dead plants formed a layer, which became deeper and deeper. More and more earth and
dirt (4) ………. on top of this layer. Subsequently, this layer
(5) ………… by rocks and dirt, and so the energy of the dead
plants (6) ………. underneath. As the pressure and the heat
grew over time, the layer of dead plants (7) ……… into coal.
Seams of coal were formed, and coal (8) ……………. .

8. Connect the sentences below. Use the linking words in

brackets in each case.

Example

The parts of the car are assembled. The cars are exported.
(after)

After the parts of the car are assembled, the cars are exported.

a. The snow falls. It covers the ground with a protective layer. (when)
.....................................................................................................................................

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 b. Her cubs are born. The lioness licks them all over. (as soon as)
.....................................................................................................................................
c. The paper is collected. It is sent for recycling. (once)
.....................................................................................................................................
d. Volcanoes erupt. They send huge amounts of smoke into the air. (before)
.....................................................................................................................................
e. The plants perspire. The air becomes humid. (when)
.....................................................................................................................................
f. The trees are cut down. The forest is gradually destroyed. (and)
.....................................................................................................................................

9. The diagram shows how energy is produced from coal. Answer the questions.

a. How is the coal carried to the power plant?

b. What is added to the furnace in addition to coal?
c. What gas is produced when coal is burnt in the furnace?
d. What do you think is removed from gas?
e. What is the gas called following this process?
f. What do you think the gas does in the turbine?
g. What does the turbine do to the generator?
h. Where do the hot exhaust gases come from?
i. What happens to the gases?

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10. Complete the model text below by choosing the correct alternative in each case.

Model text

The diagram shows the various stages in the production of clean energy
from coal.

(1) First of all/At first/One, the coal is mined in deep pits underground and
then carried to the surface. (2) Furthermore/After that/As a result. it is
carried along a conveyor belt to a power plant, (3) when/then/where it is
burned in a large furnace to which oxygen is added. (4) Otherwise/From
this/Therefore, raw syngas is produced. At the next stage of the process, harmful substances like carbon
dioxide, mercury and Sulphur are removed. (5) Following that/Following/Subsequent, the purified gas is used
to drive a gas turbine. The turbine (6) in turn/afterwards/therefore powers a generator, producing
electricity. The gas turbine also produces hot exhaust gases. These are (7) then/therefore/consequently
piped to a heat recovery steam generator, which converts the heat into steam. The steam is (8)
consequently/subsequent/subsequently used to power a steam turbine, which again is used to generate
electricity.

The energy is clean because harmful products are removed and the coal is not transported to another site to
produce electricity.

Linking with the present perfect

You can use once, when and after + the present perfect to join two stages together:
The tea is packed into boxes, and then the boxes are loaded onto a lorry. ->
Once the tea has been packed into boxes, the boxes are then loaded onto a lorry.
11. Rewrite these sentences using the words in brackets.

a. The tea leaves are picked and then they are put in the sun to dry. (once)
b. The tea leaves are picked from the tea plants and packed into boxes. (after)
c. The boxes are loaded onto a lorry and then they are taken to supermarkets. (when)
d. You put the tea bag in the cup and then you can pour hot water into it. (once)

Linking with after + -ing

Two stages can also be linked with after + the –ing form of the verb:

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 The boxes of tea are taken to supermarkets and then they are sold to customers.
> After being taken to supermarkets, the boxes of tea are then sold to customers.
12. Rewrite the sentences in Exercise 11 using after + -ing.

Example: 1 After being picked, the tea leaves are then put in the sun to dry.

Exam skill 2: Giving extra information about a stage

To extend and improve your answer, you can describe what happens in a stage, and then add
some extra details or explain why it happens.
The tea leaves are put on the ground in the sun, so that they can be dried
13. Match the stages (1-4) to the corresponding extra details (a-d).
1. The boxes of tea are delivered to a. which gives them extra flavor
supermarkets, b. where they are put on the shelves to
2. The sun shines, be sold.
3. Salt and sugar are added to the c. in order to be made into sugar for
tomatoes, cooking.
4. The sugar cane is taken to a factory, d. which helps the plants to grow.
14. Join each pair of sentences using the words in brackets.
a. The fruit is sent to a factory. It is put into cans there. (where)
The fruit is sent to a factory, where it is put into cans.
b. The biscuits are put in the oven. They are cooked. (in order to be)

→ .................................................................................................................................................

c. The farmer waters the plants. This makes them grow more quickly. (which)

→ ..................................................................................................................................................

d. The mushrooms are stored in a dark room. This helps them to stay fresh. (so that)

→ ..................................................................................................................................................

15. Read the model answer and fill in the blanks with the words from the box.

are placed next to are linked by Next Finally After that

shows a method for First using Then The process begins when

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 The diagram below shows a simple system that turns dirty water into clean water.

Para.1: Explain what the diagram shows and list the

equipment

The diagram ………………….. filtering dirty water

………………….. a barrel and a drum, a pipe and two
taps.
Para.2: Write an overview for the diagram

The system shows how natural materials and basic

equipment can be used to produce drinking water in
just a few simple stages.

Para.3: Explain how to build the water filter system

………………….., the drum and barrel …………………..

each other so that the top of the barrel is higher than the drum. These items ………………….. a pipe that runs
from the bottom of the barrel into the side of the drum. ………………….., the filter is made by adding sand,
charcoal and gravel to the barrel. ………………….., a tap is fixed to the bottom of the drum and the top of the
pipe.
Para.4: Explain how to operate the system

………………….. dirty water is poured into the barrel. ………………….., the water goes through the filter and up
the pipe into the drum where it is stored. ………………….., when the tap in the drum is turned on, clean
drinking water comes out.

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