River Delta – STUDENT'S EDITION

The Task

The diagram below shows how a delta is formed where a river meets the sea.

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 6 stages. It is a natural process shown as a linear sequence – from a river carrying sediment towards the sea to the formation of a delta at the river mouth.

Phase 1 – Transport and deposition of sediment (Stages 1–3)

1
River carries sedimentThe river carries sand, silt and mud downstream.
2
River slows at the seaThe river reaches the sea and its water slows down.
3
Sediment is depositedThe slow water drops the sediment at the river mouth.

Phase 2 – Building of the delta (Stages 4–6)

4
New land builds upLayers of sediment build up and form new land.
5
River splits into channelsThe river divides into smaller channels around the new land.
6
Delta formsOver a long time, a large area of fertile land forms – a delta.

The diagram does not label the phases. This lesson divides the process into moving and dropping the sediment (stages 1–3) and building the new land (stages 4–6).

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 River carries sediment	Sequencer + S + V(s) + N, N and N + down towards + N	The process commences as + S + transports + N, V-ing participle: consisting of + N + adverb + towards + N
2 River slows at the sea	Sequencer + S + reaches + N, where + the water + slows down	On + V-ing + N + S + loses + N + as + S + V + N
3 Sediment is deposited	Sequencer + S + is + V3 + at + N + of + N + because + S + is too + adj + to V	As a result + S + is + V3 + at + N, since + the + adj + N + can no longer + V + N
4 New land builds up	In the + phase + N + of + N + build up and form + adj + N + above + N	Turning to + N + adj + N + of + N + accumulate + until + they + rise above + N, V-ing (result)
5 River splits into channels	Then + S + divides into + adj + adj-er + N, which + flow around + adj + N	Following this + S + is forced to + V + a number of + adj + N, which + wind their way around + these + N
6 Delta forms	Final sequencer + after + time + a + adj + N + called + N + is + V3	In the final stage + over a period of + time + these + N + develop into + a + adj + N + at + N

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, một con sông mang (carries) cát, phù sa và bùn xuống phía biển.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: carries

2

Tiếp theo, con sông chảy tới biển, nơi dòng nước chảy chậm lại (slows down).

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where

3

Sau đó, trầm tích bị bỏ lại (dropped) ở cửa sông vì nước chảy quá chậm để mang nó đi.

Hiện tại đơn BỊ ĐỘNG (is dropped) + because + too adj to V

4

Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, các lớp trầm tích tích tụ (build up) và tạo thành vùng đất mới trên mặt nước.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: build up, form

5

Sau đó, con sông chia (divides) thành nhiều nhánh nhỏ hơn chảy vòng quanh vùng đất mới.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

6

Cuối cùng, sau hàng trăm hoặc hàng nghìn năm, một vùng đất rộng gọi là châu thổ (delta) được hình thành.

Hiện tại đơn BỊ ĐỘNG: is formed

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.

, a river carries sand, silt and mud towards the sea.
The river reaches the sea, the water slows down.
reaching the sea, the river loses speed.
, the sediment is dropped at the river mouth.
The water is too slow carry the sediment any further.
the second phase, layers of sediment build up.
The layers build up they rise above sea level.
The river splits into smaller channels, flow around the new land.
A delta forms a period of hundreds of years.
, a large area of fertile land is formed.

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 con sông mang trầm tích ra biển.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động · begins with + N + V-ing

The process begins with a river carrying sediment towards the sea.

2

Con sông chảy tới biển, nơi mà (where) dòng nước chậm lại.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where

The river reaches the sea, where the water slows down.

3

Kết quả là (As a result), trầm tích bị bỏ lại ở cửa sông.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

As a result, the sediment is dropped at the river mouth.

4

Nước chảy quá chậm để (to) mang trầm tích đi.

too + adj + to V

The water is too slow to carry the sediment.

5

Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn thứ hai, các lớp trầm tích tích tụ lại.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Turning to the second phase, layers of sediment build up.

6

Các lớp này tích tụ cho đến khi (until) chúng nhô lên khỏi mặt nước.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + until

These layers build up until they rise above the water.

7

Tiếp theo đó (Following this), con sông tách thành nhiều nhánh nhỏ.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Following this, the river splits into many small channels.

8

Những nhánh sông này, những nhánh mà (which) chảy quanh vùng đất mới, đổ ra biển.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

These channels, which flow around the new land, run into the sea.

9

Ở giai đoạn cuối (In the final stage), một vùng châu thổ được hình thành.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

In the final stage, a delta is formed.

10

Quá trình kết thúc bằng (ends with) việc một vùng đất màu mỡ xuất hiện ở cửa sông.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động · ends with + N + V-ing

The process ends with an area of fertile land appearing at the river mouth.

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
how a delta is formed	how a delta is made	the way in which a delta is created	the process by which a delta develops
where a river meets the sea	where a river meets the sea	at the point where a river flows into the sea	at the mouth of a river, where it enters the sea

Tip: “delta” is a technical word – keep it. Paraphrase the verb (is formed → develops / is created) and the place (where a river meets the sea → at the mouth of a river).

Sample Introductions

Sample 1 – Band 6.0

The diagram illustrates the way in which a delta is created at the point where a river flows into the sea.

Band 6 features: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a the way in which phrase with a passive, and a clear paraphrase of the place.

Sample 2 – Band 7.0

The given diagram depicts the process by which a delta develops at the mouth of a river, where it enters the sea.

Band 7 features: precise verb (depicts), a by which clause, the precise term the mouth of a river and a non-defining where clause.

Template for students

The diagram shows / illustrates how a delta is formed / the process by which a delta develops where a river meets the sea / at the mouth of a river.

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 “sand, silt and mud”, “channels” or “hundreds to thousands of years”).

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 six steps in this process. It starts with a river carrying sediment and finishes with a delta.

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 six stages in the process, which can be divided into two main phases: the transport and deposition of sediment and the building of the delta. The process begins with a river carrying sediment towards the sea and ends with the formation of a delta.

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 six distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – the transport and deposition of sediment and the gradual construction of new land – commencing with the movement of sediment downstream and culminating in the formation of a delta at the river mouth.

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 1–3 → Body 2: Stages 4–6. Your writing is saved automatically on this device.

Paragraph	From	To	Content	Suggested words
Introduction	–	–	Paraphrase the task	20–35
Overview	Stage 1	Stage 6	Number of stages, 2 phases, start → end	30–40
Body 1	1. River carries sediment	3. Sediment is deposited	Transport and deposition of sediment: River carries sediment → River slows at the sea → Sediment is deposited	60–80
Body 2	4. New land builds up	6. Delta forms	Building of the delta: New land builds up → River splits into channels → Delta forms	50–70

A · Introduction

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

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

shows →
is formed →
where a river meets the sea →
below →
how →

Exercise 2 – Complete the Introduction

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

The diagram the process by a delta at the of a river, where it enters the sea.

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 : the transport and deposition of and the building of the delta. The process with a river carrying sediment towards the sea and with the formation of a delta.

Exercise 5 – Choose the best Overview

Which sentence is a good Band 6.0+ overview?

A. Overall, the river carries sand, silt and mud, and a delta forms after hundreds of years.B. Overall, the process has six stages in two phases, from a river carrying sediment to the formation of a delta.C. Overall, deltas are very important for farming and for people's lives.

Why? A gives details (materials and time) – these belong in the Body. C is an opinion and adds information that is not in the diagram. 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 3

Exercise 7 – Verb forms (active / passive)

Write the correct present simple form of the verb in brackets – active or passive.

First, a river (carry) sand, silt and mud towards the sea.
Next, the river (reach) the sea.
At the sea, the water (slow) down.
After that, the sediment (drop) at the mouth of the river.
The water (be) too slow to carry it any further.

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

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

The river carries sand, silt and .
These small pieces are called .
The water slows down when the river reaches the .
The sediment is dropped at the of the river.

Exercise 9 – Write Body 1 (Stages 1 → 3)

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

Words: 0 (target 60–80)

I covered stages 1–3 in order: carrying sediment, slowing down, deposition.
I named the sediment: sand, silt and mud.
I used the passive for “is dropped / is deposited” and active verbs for the rest.
I explained why the sediment is dropped (because / since).

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

D · Body 2 – from Stage 4 to Stage 6

Exercise 10 – Put the sentences in order

Choose 1–4 for each sentence.

Then, the river divides into several smaller channels.

In the second phase, layers of sediment build up and form new land above the water.

Finally, after hundreds or thousands of years, a large area of land called a delta is formed.

These channels flow around the new land.

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Pick the word or phrase that fits each gap.

, layers of sediment up.
The layers build up they rise above sea level.
, a delta after hundreds of years.

Exercise 12 – Write Body 2 (Stages 4 → 6)

Start with “In the second phase, … / Turning to the formation of the delta, …”.

Words: 0 (target 50–70)

I covered stages 4–6: new land, channels, delta.
I included “hundreds to thousands of years”.
I ended with the output: a (fertile) delta.

🔒 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 a River Delta Forms

The Task

1How many stages? Name them.

Phase 1 – Transport and deposition of sediment (Stages 1–3)

Phase 2 – Building of the delta (Stages 4–6)

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 3

Exercise 7 – Verb forms (active / passive)

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

Exercise 9 – Write Body 1 (Stages 1 → 3)

D · Body 2 – from Stage 4 to Stage 6

Exercise 10 – Put the sentences in order

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Exercise 12 – Write Body 2 (Stages 4 → 6)

E · Put it all together

Exercise 13 – Your full essay

Model Answers – Band 6.0 & Band 7.0