Brick Manufacturing – STUDENT'S EDITION

The Task

The diagram below shows the stages in the manufacture of clay bricks for the building industry.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

← swipe to see the whole diagram →

1How many stages? Name them.

The diagram has 8 stages. It is a man-made process shown as a linear sequence – from digging clay out of the ground to delivering finished bricks to building sites.

Phase 1 – Preparing and shaping the clay (Stages 1–4)

1
Digging clayClay is dug from the ground by a large digger.
2
Sieving and mixingThe clay is sieved and mixed with sand and water.
3
MouldingThe mixture is shaped into bricks in moulds.
4
DryingThe bricks are dried in a drying room.

Phase 2 – Firing, packing and delivery (Stages 5–8)

5
Firing in a kilnThe dry bricks are heated in a kiln at about 1,000°C.
6
CoolingThe bricks are left to cool for two to three days.
7
PackagingThe finished bricks are packed.
8
DeliveryThe bricks are delivered to customers by lorry.

The diagram does not label the phases. This lesson divides the process into preparing and shaping the clay (stages 1–4) and firing, packing and delivery (stages 5–8).

3Sentence Formulas – All Stages

Use these formulas to build one sentence for each stage, then check yourself in Step 5. Band 6.0 = safe and clear · Band 7.0 = more precise and more complex.

LinkerSubjectVerb (be + V3)Object / Place / ResultTime / Purpose

Stage	Band 6.0 formula	Band 7.0 formula
1 Digging clay	Sequencer + S + is + V3 + from + N + by + agent	The process commences when + adj + N + is + V3 + from + N + using + adj + N
2 Sieving and mixing	Sequencer + S + is + V3 + through + N + and + V3 + with + N and N	Following this + S + is + V3 + to + V + N + before + being + V3 + with + N and N
3 Moulding	Sequencer + S + is + V3 + into + N + to + V (purpose)	Next + the resulting + N + is + V3 + into + N, where + it + is + V3 + into + adj + N
4 Drying	Then + S + are + V3 + in + place + for + time	Subsequently + the + adverb + V3 + N + are left to + V + in + place + for between X and Y
5 Firing in a kiln	In the + phase + adj + N + are + V3 + in + place + at + temperature	Turning to the + phase + the + V3 + N + are + V3 + in + N + at a temperature of + number, which + V(s) + them
6 Cooling	Sequencer + S + are + V3 + for + time	Once + V3 (reduced clause) + from + N + they + are allowed to + V + over a period of + time
7 Packaging	Sequencer + S + are + V3	Following this + the + adj + N + are + precise V3 + in preparation for + N
8 Delivery	Final sequencer + S + are + V3 + to + place + by + N	In the final stage + they + are + V3 + onto + N + and + V3 + to + place

4Linkers – Sequencing Words & Transitions

Use a different linker for each stage. Avoid “Then … Then … Then”.

Beginning

First / Firstly
To begin with
In the initial stage
The process begins with + N / V-ing

Middle (next step)

After that / Afterwards
Next / then (be + then + V3)
Following this / Subsequently
In the next stage

Time clauses (finished step)

Once + S + have been + V3, …
Once + (fully) + V3, …
After being + V3, …

Inside the same stage

during this stage / process
…, where + clause
…, in which + clause
…, which + verb
…, a process that + verb

Change of phase

In the second phase, …
Turning to the second phase, …

Ending

Finally / Lastly
In the final stage
The process ends with + N
… culminating in + N

5Translation Practice – Vietnamese → English

Translate each sentence. The word in ( ) is the key word you must use. Check the Tense note, write your answer, then press Show answer.

🔒 The answers in Step 5 are locked. Enter Password 1 from your teacher:

1

Đầu tiên, đất sét được đào (dug) từ lòng đất bằng một máy đào lớn.

Hiện tại đơn BỊ ĐỘNG: is dug

2

Tiếp theo, đất sét được cho qua rây (sieve) và trộn với cát và nước.

Hiện tại đơn bị động: is put, (is) mixed

3

Sau đó, hỗn hợp được cho vào khuôn (moulds) để tạo hình viên gạch.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + to V (mục đích)

4

Sau đó, gạch được phơi khô (dried) trong phòng sấy từ 24 đến 48 giờ.

Hiện tại đơn bị động: are dried

5

Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, gạch khô được nung (heated) trong lò ở khoảng 1.000°C.

Hiện tại đơn bị động: are heated

6

Sau đó, gạch được làm nguội (cooled) trong hai đến ba ngày.

Hiện tại đơn bị động: are cooled

7

Tiếp theo, gạch được đóng gói (packed).

Hiện tại đơn bị động: are packed

8

Cuối cùng, gạch được giao (delivered) đến công trường bằng xe tải.

Hiện tại đơn bị động: are delivered

6Linker Practice

Part A: drag (or tap) the linkers into the gaps. Part B: translate 10 sentences using the linker in ( ).

Part A – Drag & Drop (10 sentences)

Computer: drag a linker into a gap. Phone: tap a linker, then tap a gap. Tap a filled gap to remove its linker.

, clay is dug from the ground by a large digger.
The clay is sieved remove stones.
It is sieved being mixed with sand and water.
The mixture is pressed into moulds, it is formed into bricks.
The bricks are dried 24 to 48 hours.
the firing phase, the bricks are heated in a kiln.
The bricks are heated to about 1,000°C, makes them hard.
removed from the kiln, the bricks are cooled.
The bricks are packed and loaded onto lorries.
, the bricks are delivered to building sites.

Part B – Translate with Linkers (10 sentences)

Use the linker in ( ) and follow the Tense note.

1

Quá trình bắt đầu bằng (begins with) việc đào đất sét từ lòng đất.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động · begins with + N + being + V3

The process begins with clay being dug from the ground.

2

Đất sét được sàng để (to) loại bỏ đá.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + to V (mục đích)

The clay is sieved to remove stones.

3

Nó được sàng trước khi (before) được trộn với cát và nước.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + before being V3

It is sieved before being mixed with sand and water.

4

Hỗn hợp được ép vào khuôn, nơi mà (where) nó được tạo thành gạch.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + mệnh đề where

The mixture is pressed into moulds, where it is formed into bricks.

5

Tiếp theo đó (Following this), gạch được phơi khô trong hai ngày.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

Following this, the bricks are dried for two days.

6

Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn nung, gạch được nung trong lò.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

Turning to the firing phase, the bricks are fired in a kiln.

7

Gạch được nung ở 1.000°C, điều này (which) làm chúng cứng lại.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + mệnh đề which

The bricks are heated to 1,000°C, which makes them hard.

8

Một khi (Once) được lấy ra khỏi lò, gạch được để nguội.

Once + V3 + Hiện tại đơn bị động

Once removed from the kiln, the bricks are left to cool.

9

Ở giai đoạn cuối (In the final stage), gạch được giao bằng xe tải.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

In the final stage, the bricks are delivered by lorry.

10

Quá trình kết thúc bằng (ends with) việc gạch được đưa đến công trường.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động · ends with + N + being + V3

The process ends with the bricks being taken to building sites.

7Introduction – Paraphrasing the Task

Replace the task words with synonyms. Yellow = Band 6 feature · Purple = Band 7 feature.

Original words (task)	Synonym 1 – Band 5.5	Synonym 2 – Band 6.5	Synonym 3 – Band 7.0
The diagram (below) shows	The diagram shows	The diagram illustrates	The given diagram depicts
the stages in the manufacture	the steps in making	how … are produced	the process by which … are manufactured
of clay bricks	clay bricks	clay bricks	bricks made from clay
for the building industry	for building	for use in construction	for the construction industry

Tip: “clay” and “bricks” are the key materials – keep them. “construction” is an accurate synonym for “building”.

Sample Introductions

Sample 1 – Band 6.0

The diagram illustrates how clay bricks are produced for use in construction.

Band 6 features: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a how + passive clause and a clear synonym (construction).

Sample 2 – Band 7.0

The given diagram depicts the process by which bricks made from clay are manufactured for the construction industry.

Band 7 features: precise verb (depicts), a by which clause, a reduced relative clause (bricks made from clay) and a precise collocation (the construction industry).

Template for students

The diagram shows / illustrates how clay bricks are produced / the process by which bricks are manufactured for the building / construction industry.

8Overview – Band 5.0 · 6.0 · 7.0

An overview gives (1) the number of stages and (2) the start and end; higher bands add (3) the main phases in more precise language. No details (no “24–48 hours”, “1,000°C”, “2–3 days”, “sand” or “water”).

Band 5.0

Overall, there are number steps in this process. It starts with N / V-ing and finishes with N / V-ing.

Example – Band 5.0

Overall, there are eight steps in this process. It starts with digging clay and finishes with delivering the bricks.

Why only Band 5: two short simple sentences, basic words (steps, starts, finishes), no phases.

Band 6.0

Overall, there are number stages in the process, which can be divided into two main phases: A and B. The process begins with V-ing / N and ends with V-ing / N.

Example – Band 6.0

Overall, there are eight stages in the process, which can be divided into two main phases: preparing and shaping the clay, and firing, packing and delivery. The process begins with clay being dug from the ground and ends with the bricks being delivered to building sites.

Band 7.0

Overall, the process comprises number + distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – A and B – commencing with the + N of + N and culminating in the + N of + N.

Example – Band 7.0

Overall, the process comprises eight distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – the preparation and shaping of clay and the firing and distribution of the bricks – commencing with the extraction of raw clay and culminating in the delivery of finished bricks to building sites.

Band 7 features: comprises, distinct, fall into, dashes for the phases, nominalisation (the + N of + N), commencing with … culminating in in one sentence.

Template – Band 6.0

Overall, there are number stages in the process, which can be divided into two main phases: phase 1 and phase 2. The process begins with V-ing / N and ends with V-ing / N.

Template – Band 7.0

Overall, the process comprises number distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – phase 1 and phase 2 – commencing with the + N of + N and culminating in the + N of + N.

9Writing Practice – Paragraph by Paragraph

Essay plan: Introduction → Overview → Body 1: Stages 1–4 → Body 2: Stages 5–8. Your writing is saved automatically on this device.

Paragraph	From	To	Content	Suggested words
Introduction	–	–	Paraphrase the task	20–35
Overview	Stage 1	Stage 8	Number of stages, 2 phases, start → end	30–40
Body 1	1. Digging clay	4. Drying	Preparing and shaping the clay: Digging clay → Sieving and mixing → Moulding → Drying	60–80
Body 2	5. Firing in a kiln	8. Delivery	Firing, packing and delivery: Firing in a kiln → Cooling → Packaging → Delivery	50–70

A · Introduction

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

Choose the best synonym for each original word from the task.

shows →
the manufacture of →
clay bricks →
the building industry →
below →

Exercise 2 – Complete the Introduction

Type ONE word in each gap (do not copy the task words).

The diagram the process by bricks made from clay are for the industry.

Exercise 3 – Write your Introduction

Use the template in Step 7. Use at least 3 synonyms from the table.

Words: 0 (target 20–35)

I changed the reporting verb and at least two key words of the task.
I kept technical words and explained them if needed.
My Introduction is ONE sentence and has no data.

🔒 Models open with Password 2 – unlock it in Model Answers.

B · Overview

Exercise 4 – Complete the Overview

Type ONE word (or number) in each gap.

, there are stages in the process, which can be into two main : preparing and shaping the clay, and , packing and delivery. The process with clay being dug from the ground and with the bricks being delivered to building sites.

Exercise 5 – Choose the best Overview

Which sentence is a good Band 6.0+ overview?

A. Overall, the bricks are dried for 24 to 48 hours and heated to about 1,000°C.B. Overall, the process has eight stages in two phases, from digging clay to delivering finished bricks.C. Overall, bricks are the best material for building strong houses.

Why? A gives numbers – these belong in the Body. C is an opinion – never in Task 1. B gives the number of stages, the two phases, and the start and end.

Exercise 6 – Write your Overview

Use the Band 6.0 or Band 7.0 template in Step 8.

Words: 0 (target 30–40)

I started with “Overall,”.
I gave the number of stages and the two phases.
I named the first and the last stage. No specific details or numbers.

🔒 Models open with Password 2 – unlock it in Model Answers.

C · Body 1 – from Stage 1 to Stage 4

Exercise 7 – Passive verbs

Write the correct passive form (V3) of the verb in brackets.

First, clay (dig) from the ground.
Next, the clay (sieve) to remove stones.
Then it (mix) with sand and water.
After that, the mixture (put) into moulds.
The bricks (dry) in a special room.

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

Look at the diagram and complete each fact (one word or number).

The clay is dug from the ground by a large .
The clay is mixed with sand and .
The bricks are dried for 24 to hours.
In the first phase, there are stages.

Exercise 9 – Write Body 1 (Stages 1 → 4)

Start with “In the first phase, … / The process commences when …”. Use different linkers and include the key details.

Words: 0 (target 60–80)

I covered stages 1–4 in order: digging, sieving and mixing, moulding, drying.
I used the passive for every stage.
I mentioned sand, water and “24–48 hours”.
I used at least one complex sentence (where / before / which).

🔒 Models open with Password 2 – unlock it in Model Answers.

D · Body 2 – from Stage 5 to Stage 8

Exercise 10 – Put the sentences in order

Choose 1–4 for each sentence.

After that, the bricks are cooled for two to three days.

In the second phase, the dry bricks are heated in a kiln at about 1,000°C.

Next, the bricks are packed.

Finally, the bricks are delivered to building sites by lorry.

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Pick the word or phrase that fits each gap.

, the bricks in a kiln.
removed from the kiln, they are left to cool.
, they are to building sites.

Exercise 12 – Write Body 2 (Stages 5 → 8)

Start with “In the second phase, … / Turning to the firing phase, …”.

Words: 0 (target 50–70)

I covered stages 5–8: firing, cooling, packaging, delivery.
I included “about 1,000°C” and “two to three days”.
I ended with the delivery to building sites.

🔒 Models open with Password 2 – unlock it in Model Answers.

E · Put it all together

Exercise 13 – Your full essay

Press “Collect my paragraphs” to copy your four paragraphs here, then edit them into one essay.

Words: 0 (minimum 150)

Model Answers – Band 6.0 & Band 7.0

Try writing your own essay first, then open a model to compare. Highlighted = key collocations to learn.

🔒 The model answers are locked. Enter Password 2 from your teacher:

How Bricks Are Manufactured

The Task

1How many stages? Name them.

Phase 1 – Preparing and shaping the clay (Stages 1–4)

Phase 2 – Firing, packing and delivery (Stages 5–8)

3Sentence Formulas – All Stages

4Linkers – Sequencing Words & Transitions

Beginning

Middle (next step)

Time clauses (finished step)

Inside the same stage

Change of phase

Ending

5Translation Practice – Vietnamese → English

6Linker Practice

Part A – Drag & Drop (10 sentences)

Part B – Translate with Linkers (10 sentences)

7Introduction – Paraphrasing the Task

Sample Introductions

8Overview – Band 5.0 · 6.0 · 7.0

Band 5.0

Band 6.0

Band 7.0

9Writing Practice – Paragraph by Paragraph

A · Introduction

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

Exercise 2 – Complete the Introduction

Exercise 3 – Write your Introduction

B · Overview

Exercise 4 – Complete the Overview

Exercise 5 – Choose the best Overview

Exercise 6 – Write your Overview

C · Body 1 – from Stage 1 to Stage 4

Exercise 7 – Passive verbs

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

Exercise 9 – Write Body 1 (Stages 1 → 4)

D · Body 2 – from Stage 5 to Stage 8

Exercise 10 – Put the sentences in order

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Exercise 12 – Write Body 2 (Stages 5 → 8)

E · Put it all together

Exercise 13 – Your full essay

Model Answers – Band 6.0 & Band 7.0