Salmon Life Cycle – STUDENT'S EDITION

The Task

The diagram below shows the life cycle of a species of salmon, from the egg stage to adulthood.

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 (a life cycle) shown as a cycle: the salmon begins life in a river, spends its adult years at sea and finally returns to the river to lay eggs.

Phase 1 – Life in the river (freshwater) (Stages 1–3)

1
Eggs in river gravelEggs are laid in gravel on the river bed.
2
AlevinThe eggs hatch into alevins, which feed on their yolk sacs.
3
Fry in the riverYoung salmon (fry) swim in the river and feed on insects.

Phase 2 – Life at sea and the return journey (Stages 4–6)

4
Smolt moves to the seaThe young salmon (smolt) swims down the river to the sea.
5
Adult in the oceanThe salmon grows into an adult at sea.
6
Return upriver to spawnThe adult swims back up the river and lays eggs.

The diagram shows two places (the river and the sea). This lesson uses them as the two phases: freshwater life (stages 1–3) and sea life and the return (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 Eggs in river gravel	Sequencer + S + are + V3 + in + N + on + N	The cycle commences when + S + are + precise V3 + among + N + of + N
2 Alevin	Sequencer + S + hatch into + N, which + stay in + N and feed on + N	Following this + S + hatch into + N, appositive: adj + N + that + V, and survive on + N + in + N
3 Fry in the river	Sequencer + they + become + adj + N + called + N, which + live in + N + for + time	Once + S + has been + V3 + the + adj + N, appositive + swim + adverb + in + N + for between X and Y
4 Smolt moves to the sea	In the + phase + S, or + N + swims down + N + to + N	Turning to the + phase + S, V3 phrase + migrates + adverb + towards + adj + N
5 Adult in the ocean	Sequencer + it + lives in + N + for + time + and grows into + N	then + It + spends + between X and Y + at sea, during which time + it + reaches + adj + N
6 Return upriver to spawn	Final sequencer + S + swims back up + N + to + V (purpose), and + the cycle + starts again	In the final stage + the + adj + N + returns + adverb + to + N + in order to + V, thereby + V-ing + 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, trứng được đẻ (laid) trong lớp sỏi dưới đáy sông.

Hiện tại đơn BỊ ĐỘNG: are laid

2

Tiếp theo, trứng nở thành cá con alevin, chúng ở lại trong sỏi và ăn (feed on) túi noãn hoàng của mình.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

3

Sau đó, chúng trở thành cá con gọi là fry, sống ở sông từ một đến ba năm (years).

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

4

Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, cá hồi non, hay smolt, bơi xuôi (down) dòng sông ra biển.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: swims

5

Sau đó, nó sống ở đại dương từ một đến bốn năm và lớn lên thành cá trưởng thành (adult).

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: lives, grows

6

Cuối cùng, cá hồi trưởng thành bơi ngược (back up) dòng sông để đẻ trứng, và chu trình bắt đầu lại.

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

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.

, eggs are laid in the gravel of a river.
The eggs hatch into alevins, feed on their yolk sacs.
The alevins stay in the gravel, they are safe.
the yolk sac is used up, the young fish swim freely.
The fry live in the river one to three years.
the sea phase, the smolt swims down the river.
The salmon spends several years at sea, which time it becomes an adult.
The salmon grows into an adult and returns to the river.
The adult swims back to the river which it was born.
, the adult lays eggs and the cycle starts again.

Part B – Translate with Linkers (10 sentences)

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

1

Chu trình bắt đầu bằng (begins with) việc trứng được đẻ dưới đáy sông.

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

The cycle begins with eggs being laid on the riverbed.

2

Trứng nở thành alevin, những con cá này (which) sống nhờ túi noãn hoàng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

The eggs hatch into alevins, which live on their yolk sacs.

3

Một khi (Once) túi noãn hoàng được dùng hết, cá con bắt đầu bơi tự do.

Once + Hiện tại đơn bị động + Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Once the yolk sac is used up, the young fish start to swim freely.

4

Cá con sống ở sông trong (for) một đến ba năm.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + for + khoảng thời gian

The young fish live in the river for one to three years.

5

Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn ở biển, smolt bơi xuôi ra đại dương.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Turning to the sea phase, the smolt swims down to the ocean.

6

Cá hồi sống ở biển vài năm, trong thời gian đó (during which time) nó trưởng thành.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + during which time

The salmon lives at sea for several years, during which time it becomes an adult.

7

Tiếp theo đó (Following this), cá trưởng thành bơi ngược dòng.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Following this, the adult fish swims upstream.

8

Nó quay về con sông, nơi mà (where) nó đã được sinh ra.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where + Quá khứ đơn bị động

It returns to the river where it was born.

9

Ở giai đoạn cuối (In the final stage), cá hồi đẻ trứng trong sỏi.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

In the final stage, the salmon lays eggs in the gravel.

10

Chu trình kết thúc bằng (ends with) việc trứng mới được đẻ ra.

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

The cycle ends with new eggs being laid.

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 life cycle	the life cycle	the different stages in the life	the successive stages in the life
of a species of salmon	of a type of salmon	of a type of salmon	of a particular species of salmon
from the egg stage	from the egg stage	from the time it is an egg	tracing its development from an egg
to adulthood	to adulthood	until it becomes an adult	to a fully mature fish

Tip: “salmon” must be kept. “alevin”, “fry” and “smolt” are technical names from the diagram – use them, and explain them briefly if needed.

Sample Introductions

Sample 1 – Band 6.0

The diagram illustrates the different stages in the life of a type of salmon, from the time it is an egg until it becomes an adult.

Band 6 features: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a clear noun phrase and time clauses (from the time it is …, until it becomes …).

Sample 2 – Band 7.0

The given diagram depicts the successive stages in the life of a particular species of salmon, tracing its development from an egg to a fully mature fish.

Band 7 features: precise verb (depicts), precise noun phrase (a particular species), participle clause (tracing its development from … to …) and a precise adjective (fully mature).

Template for students

The diagram shows / illustrates the life cycle / the stages in the life of a type of salmon, from the egg stage to adulthood / a mature fish.

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 “1–3 years”, “1–4 years”, “gravel” or “yolk sac”).

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 life cycle. It starts with eggs in a river and finishes with adult salmon going back to the river.

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 life cycle, which can be divided into two main phases: life in the river and life at sea. The cycle begins with eggs being laid in a river and ends with the adult fish returning there to lay eggs, so it is a cyclical process.

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 life cycle comprises six distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – freshwater life and life at sea – commencing with the laying of eggs in a riverbed and culminating in the return of adult salmon to the same river to spawn.

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. Eggs in river gravel	3. Fry in the river	Life in the river (freshwater): Eggs in river gravel → Alevin → Fry in the river	60–80
Body 2	4. Smolt moves to the sea	6. Return upriver to spawn	Life at sea and the return journey: Smolt moves to the sea → Adult in the ocean → Return upriver to spawn	50–70

A · Introduction

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

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

shows →
a species of salmon →
the egg stage →
adulthood →
below →

Exercise 2 – Complete the Introduction

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

The diagram the successive stages in the life of a particular of salmon, tracing its from an egg to a fully fish.

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 life cycle, which can be into two main : life in the river and life at . The cycle with eggs being laid in a river and with the adult fish returning there to lay eggs, so it is a process.

Exercise 5 – Choose the best Overview

Which sentence is a good Band 6.0+ overview?

A. Overall, young salmon live in the river for one to three years and adults stay at sea for one to four years.B. Overall, the life cycle has six stages in two phases, river life and sea life, beginning and ending with eggs in a river.C. Overall, salmon is a healthy and delicious fish that many people enjoy.

Why? A gives times – 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 of the cycle.

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, eggs (lay) in the gravel of a river.
The eggs (hatch) into alevins.
The alevins (feed) on their yolk sacs.
After that, they (become) young fish called fry.
The fry (live) in the river for one to three years.

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

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

The eggs are laid in on the riverbed.
Newly hatched salmon are called .
The alevins feed on their sacs.
Young fish stay in the river for one to years.

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

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

Words: 0 (target 60–80)

I covered stages 1–3 in order: eggs, alevins, fry.
I used the passive only for “are laid” and active verbs for the rest.
I included “one to three years” and the gravel / yolk sac details.
I used at least one complex sentence (which / once).

🔒 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.

In the second phase, the young salmon, or smolt, swims down the river to the sea.

Finally, the adult salmon swims back up the river to lay eggs.

After that, it lives in the ocean for one to four years.

During this time, it grows into an adult.

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Pick the word or phrase that fits each gap.

, the smolt to the sea.
It spends one to four years at sea, time it becomes an adult.
, it returns upstream eggs.

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

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

Words: 0 (target 50–70)

I covered stages 4–6: smolt, adult at sea, return.
I included “one to four years”.
I said that the salmon returns to lay eggs – the cycle repeats.

🔒 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:

The Life Cycle of a Salmon

The Task

1How many stages? Name them.

Phase 1 – Life in the river (freshwater) (Stages 1–3)

Phase 2 – Life at sea and the return journey (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