Seed to Plant – STUDENT'S EDITION

The Task

The diagram below shows how a seed develops into a flowering plant that produces new seeds.

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 7 stages. It is a natural process shown as a linear sequence – from a seed planted in the soil to a flowering plant that produces new seeds.

Phase 1 – Germination (below the soil) (Stages 1–4)

1
Seed in the soilA seed is planted in the soil.
2
Absorbing waterThe seed absorbs water and swells.
3
Root growsA root grows downwards into the soil.
4
Shoot appearsA shoot grows upwards and comes out of the soil.

Phase 2 – Growth and reproduction (above the soil) (Stages 5–7)

5
Leaves openThe first leaves open and use sunlight to make food.
6
Plant grows and flowersThe plant grows taller and produces flowers.
7
New seedsThe flowers produce new seeds.

The diagram does not label the phases. This lesson divides the process into germination (stages 1–4, mainly under the soil) and growth and reproduction (stages 5–7, above the soil).

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 Seed in the soil	Sequencer + S + is + V3 + in + place	The process commences when + S + is + precise V3 + a short distance below + N
2 Absorbing water	Sequencer + S + takes in + N + from + N + and becomes + adj-er	Following this + S + absorbs + N + from + adj + N, which + causes + O + to V
3 Root grows	Sequencer + adj + N + V(s) + down into + N	Once + S + has + V3 + adj + N + pushes its way + adverb + into + N, V-ing participle phrase
4 Shoot appears	Then + S + grows up + and comes out of + N	Shortly afterwards + a + N + emerges above + the + N, V-ing participle phrase + towards + N
5 Leaves open	Above the + place + the first + N + open and use + N + to make + N	Turning to the + phase + the first + N + unfold and begin to V + N + in order to + V + N
6 Plant grows and flowers	Sequencer + S + grows + adj-er + and produces + N	As + S + matures + it + increases in + N + and produces + N
7 New seeds	Final sequencer + S + V + adj + N, which + can + V + into + N	In the final stage + these + N + give rise to + adj + N, absolute phrase: each + adj + of + V-ing

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 hạt giống được gieo (planted) xuống đất.

Hiện tại đơn BỊ ĐỘNG: is planted

2

Tiếp theo, hạt hút (takes in) nước từ đất và trở nên to hơn.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: takes in, becomes

3

Sau đó, một cái rễ nhỏ mọc (grows) xuống đất.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: grows

4

Sau đó, một chồi non (shoot) mọc lên và nhô ra khỏi mặt đất.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: grows, comes out of

5

Trên mặt đất, những chiếc lá đầu tiên mở ra và dùng ánh sáng mặt trời (sunlight) để tạo thức ăn cho cây.

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

6

Sau đó, cây cao lên và ra hoa (produces flowers).

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: grows, produces

7

Cuối cùng, những bông hoa tạo ra hạt mới, những hạt này có thể phát triển thành (grow into) cây mới.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which + can V

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 seed is planted in the soil.
The seed absorbs water, makes it swell.
the seed coat splits, a small root grows downwards.
A shoot grows up the light.
the growth phase, the first leaves open above the soil.
The leaves use sunlight make food for the plant.
the plant matures, it grows taller.
The plant grows taller and produces flowers.
the final stage, the flowers produce new seeds.
The new seeds fall into the soil, they can grow into new plants.

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 một hạt giống được gieo xuống đất.

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

The process begins with a seed being planted in the soil.

2

Hạt hút nước, điều này (which) làm cho nó phồng lên.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

The seed absorbs water, which makes it swell.

3

Một khi (Once) vỏ hạt nứt ra, rễ mọc xuống dưới.

Once + Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Once the seed coat splits, a root grows downwards.

4

Tiếp theo đó (Following this), một chồi non nhô lên khỏi mặt đất.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Following this, a shoot appears above the soil.

5

Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn phát triển, những chiếc lá đầu tiên mở ra.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Turning to the growth phase, the first leaves open.

6

Lá dùng ánh sáng mặt trời nhằm (in order to) tạo ra thức ăn.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + in order to V

The leaves use sunlight in order to produce food.

7

Khi (As) cây trưởng thành, nó cao lên.

As + Hiện tại đơn chủ động

As the plant matures, it grows taller.

8

Sau đó (Subsequently), cây ra hoa.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Subsequently, the plant produces flowers.

9

Ở giai đoạn cuối (In the final stage), hoa tạo ra hạt mới.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

In the final stage, the flowers produce new seeds.

10

Quá trình kết thúc bằng (ends with) việc hạt mới được tạo thành.

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

The process ends with new seeds being formed.

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 seed develops	how a seed grows	the way in which a seed grows	the stages through which a seed develops
into a flowering plant	into a flowering plant	into a plant with flowers	into a mature, flowering plant
that produces new seeds	that produces new seeds	which then makes new seeds	which in turn generates new seeds

Tip: “seed” and “plant” are basic words – keep them; paraphrase the verbs (develops → grows, produces → generates) instead.

Sample Introductions

Sample 1 – Band 6.0

The diagram illustrates the way in which a seed grows into a plant with flowers, which then makes new seeds.

Band 6 features: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a the way in which phrase and a simple relative clause (which then makes).

Sample 2 – Band 7.0

The given diagram depicts the stages through which a seed develops into a mature, flowering plant, which in turn generates new seeds.

Band 7 features: precise verb (depicts), a preposition + which clause (through which), precise adjectives (mature, flowering) and a cohesive phrase (in turn generates).

Template for students

The diagram shows / illustrates how a seed grows / the way in which a seed develops into a flowering plant, which then makes / in turn produces new seeds.

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 “water”, “sunlight”, “root” or “shoot” details).

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 seven steps in this process. It starts with a seed in the soil and finishes with new seeds.

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 seven stages in the process, which can be divided into two main phases: germination below the soil and growth above it. The process begins with a seed being planted and ends with the plant producing new seeds.

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 seven distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – germination beneath the soil and growth above it – commencing with the sowing of a seed and culminating in the formation of new seeds.

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 5–7. Your writing is saved automatically on this device.

Paragraph	From	To	Content	Suggested words
Introduction	–	–	Paraphrase the task	20–35
Overview	Stage 1	Stage 7	Number of stages, 2 phases, start → end	30–40
Body 1	1. Seed in the soil	4. Shoot appears	Germination (below the soil): Seed in the soil → Absorbing water → Root grows → Shoot appears	60–80
Body 2	5. Leaves open	7. New seeds	Growth and reproduction (above the soil): Leaves open → Plant grows and flowers → New seeds	50–70

A · Introduction

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

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

shows →
develops →
a flowering plant →
produces →
below →

Exercise 2 – Complete the Introduction

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

The diagram the stages through a seed into a mature, flowering plant, which in generates new seeds.

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 : germination below the soil and above it. The process with a seed being planted and with the plant producing new seeds.

Exercise 5 – Choose the best Overview

Which sentence is a good Band 6.0+ overview?

A. Overall, the seed takes in water, a root grows down and the leaves use sunlight.B. Overall, the process has seven stages in two phases, from the planting of a seed to the production of new seeds.C. Overall, growing plants from seeds is an easy and enjoyable hobby.

Why? A lists details (water, root, sunlight) – 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 – Verb forms (active / passive)

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

First, a seed (plant) in the soil.
The seed (take) in water from the soil.
The water (make) the seed swell.
A small root (grow) down into the soil.
Then a shoot (come) out of the soil.

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

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

The seed takes in from the soil.
The root grows into the soil.
The shoot grows towards the light.
In the first phase, most of the changes happen the soil.

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: planting, absorbing water, root, shoot.
I used the passive for stage 1 (is planted) and active verbs for the rest.
I mentioned water and the directions (down / up).
I used at least one complex sentence (which / once).

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

D · Body 2 – from Stage 5 to Stage 7

Exercise 10 – Put the sentences in order

Choose 1–4 for each sentence.

Finally, the flowers make new seeds, which can grow into new plants.

Above the ground, the first leaves open.

After that, the plant grows taller and produces flowers.

They use sunlight to make food for the plant.

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Pick the word or phrase that fits each gap.

, the first leaves above the soil.
the plant matures, it produces flowers.
, the flowers produce new seeds, can grow into new plants.

Exercise 12 – Write Body 2 (Stages 5 → 7)

Start with “Above the ground, … / Turning to the growth phase, …”.

Words: 0 (target 50–70)

I covered stages 5–7: leaves, flowers, new seeds.
I mentioned sunlight.
I ended with the output: new seeds.

🔒 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 Seed Grows into a Plant

The Task

1How many stages? Name them.

Phase 1 – Germination (below the soil) (Stages 1–4)

Phase 2 – Growth and reproduction (above the soil) (Stages 5–7)

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 – Verb forms (active / passive)

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

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

D · Body 2 – from Stage 5 to Stage 7

Exercise 10 – Put the sentences in order

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Exercise 12 – Write Body 2 (Stages 5 → 7)

E · Put it all together

Exercise 13 – Your full essay

Model Answers – Band 6.0 & Band 7.0