Water Cycle – STUDENT'S EDITION

The Task

The diagram below shows how water moves between the sea, the air and the land in the water cycle.

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 cycle: water leaves the sea as vapour, falls back to the land and finally returns to rivers, lakes and the sea, where the cycle begins again.

Phase 1 – Movement into and through the air (Stages 1–3)

1
EvaporationThe sun heats water in seas and lakes; it turns into vapour.
2
CondensationThe vapour rises, cools and condenses into droplets that form clouds.
3
PrecipitationHeavy droplets fall to the land as rain or snow.

Phase 2 – Movement over and under the ground (Stages 4–6)

4
Surface run-offSome rainwater flows over the land into streams and rivers.
5
InfiltrationSome water soaks into the soil and becomes groundwater.
6
CollectionWater collects in rivers, lakes and the sea, and the cycle repeats.

The diagram does not label the phases. This lesson divides the cycle into what happens in the air (stages 1–3) and what happens on and under the ground (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 Evaporation	Sequencer + S + in + place + is + V3 + by + agent + and + V(s) into + N	The cycle commences when + adj + N + V(s) + N + in + place, causing it to + V (result clause) + into + N
2 Condensation	Sequencer + S + V1 and V2 + and then + it + V(s) + N	As + S + rises + this + N + cools and condenses into + adj + N, which + gather to form + N
3 Precipitation	Sequencer + S + become + adj + and + V(s) + to + place + as + N or N	Once + S + V + too + adj + to V + they + fall back to + N + in the form of + N or N, a stage known as + N
4 Surface run-off	On the + place + some of the + N + V(s) + over + N + into + N and N	Turning to the + stage + a proportion of this + N + runs off + N and drains into + N and N, a process referred to as + N
5 Infiltration	At the same time + some + N + goes into + N + and becomes + N	Meanwhile + the remaining + N + soaks into + N and seeps down + to become + N
6 Collection	Final sequencer + all this + N + V(s) + in + N, N and N + and + the cycle + starts again	In the final stage + both + N + eventually collect in + N, N and N, from where + the cycle + begins anew

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, nước ở biển và hồ được mặt trời làm nóng và biến thành hơi nước (water vapour).

Hiện tại đơn BỊ ĐỘNG (is heated) + Hiện tại đơn chủ động (turns into)

2

Tiếp theo, hơi nước bay lên, nguội đi và sau đó tạo thành (forms) mây.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: rises, cools, forms

3

Sau đó, các giọt nước trở nên nặng và rơi (fall) xuống mặt đất dưới dạng mưa hoặc tuyết.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: become, fall

4

Trên mặt đất, một phần nước mưa chảy (flows) qua mặt đất vào các con suối và sông.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: flows (chủ ngữ “some of the rainwater” – số ít)

5

Cùng lúc đó, một phần nước đi vào đất và trở thành nước ngầm (groundwater).

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: goes into, becomes

6

Cuối cùng, toàn bộ lượng nước này tụ lại (collects) ở sông, hồ và biển, và chu trình bắt đầu lại.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động: collects, starts

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.

, water in seas and lakes is heated by the sun.
The water turns into vapour, rises into the air.
it rises, the vapour cools down.
The vapour condenses into droplets, and these droplets form clouds.
the droplets become too heavy, they fall as rain or snow.
the ground stage, some rainwater flows into rivers.
The rest of the water soaks into the soil, it becomes groundwater.
, some water flows over the land while the rest soaks into the soil.
Water collects in lakes and the sea, the cycle begins again.
, the water returns to the sea and the cycle repeats.

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 mặt trời làm nóng nước ở biển.

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

The cycle begins with the sun heating water in the sea.

2

Nước biến thành hơi nước, hơi nước này (which) bay lên không trung.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề which

The water turns into vapour, which rises into the air.

3

Khi (As) hơi nước bay lên, nó nguội dần.

As + Hiện tại đơn chủ động

As the vapour rises, it gradually cools.

4

Tiếp theo đó (Following this), hơi nước ngưng tụ thành mây.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Following this, the vapour condenses into clouds.

5

Một khi (Once) các giọt nước trở nên nặng, chúng rơi xuống dưới dạng mưa.

Once + Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Once the droplets become heavy, they fall as rain.

6

Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn trên mặt đất, nước mưa chảy vào sông suối.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Turning to the ground stage, rainwater flows into rivers and streams.

7

Trong khi đó (Meanwhile), một phần nước thấm vào đất.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

Meanwhile, some of the water soaks into the soil.

8

Nước thấm xuống đất, nơi mà (where) nó trở thành nước ngầm.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where

The water sinks into the ground, where it becomes groundwater.

9

Ở giai đoạn cuối (In the final stage), nước tụ lại ở hồ và biển.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động

In the final stage, the water collects in lakes and the sea.

10

Chu trình kết thúc bằng (ends with) việc nước quay trở lại biển.

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

The cycle ends with the water returning to the sea.

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 water moves	how water moves	the way in which water travels	the continuous movement of water
between the sea, the air and the land	between the sea, the air and the land	from the sea to the air and the land	between the oceans, the atmosphere and the land
in the water cycle	in the water cycle	in a natural cycle	in what is known as the water cycle

Tip: “water cycle” is the name of the process – keep it. “the atmosphere” is an accurate synonym for “the air”; “the oceans” can replace “the sea”.

Sample Introductions

Sample 1 – Band 6.0

The diagram illustrates the way in which water travels from the sea to the air and the land in a natural cycle.

Band 6 features: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a clear noun phrase (the way in which water travels) and an accurate paraphrase of the three places.

Sample 2 – Band 7.0

The given diagram depicts the continuous movement of water between the oceans, the atmosphere and the land, in what is known as the water cycle.

Band 7 features: precise verb (depicts), academic noun phrase (the continuous movement of water), exact synonyms (the oceans, the atmosphere) and a what-clause that keeps the technical name.

Template for students

The diagram shows / illustrates how water moves / the movement of water between the sea / the oceans, the air / the atmosphere and the land in the water cycle.

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 “sun”, “clouds”, “rain or snow” or “groundwater” details – only the number of stages, the two phases, the start and the end).

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 cycle. It starts with water evaporating from the sea and finishes with the water going back to the sea.

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: movement through the air and movement over and under the ground. The process begins with evaporation from the sea and ends with the water returning to rivers, lakes and the sea, 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 water cycle comprises six distinct stages, which fall into two main phases – movement through the atmosphere and movement over and beneath the land – commencing with the evaporation of surface water and culminating in the collection of water in rivers, lakes and oceans, from where the cycle repeats.

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. Evaporation	3. Precipitation	Movement into and through the air: Evaporation → Condensation → Precipitation	60–80
Body 2	4. Surface run-off	6. Collection	Movement over and under the ground: Surface run-off → Infiltration → Collection	50–70

A · Introduction

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

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

shows →
how water moves →
the sea →
the air →
below →

Exercise 2 – Complete the Introduction

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

The diagram the continuous of water between the oceans, the and the land in what is as the water cycle.

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 : movement through the air and movement over and under the ground. The process with evaporation from the sea and with the water returning to rivers, lakes and the sea, so it is a process.

Exercise 5 – Choose the best Overview

Which sentence is a good Band 6.0+ overview?

A. Overall, the sun heats the sea, and clouds produce rain or snow, which becomes groundwater.B. Overall, the cycle has six stages in two phases, beginning with evaporation and ending with water returning to rivers, lakes and the sea.C. Overall, I think the water cycle is the most important natural process on Earth.

Why? A lists details (sun, clouds, rain, groundwater) – these belong in the Body. C is a personal 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, water in seas and lakes (heat) by the sun.
The water (turn) into vapour and (rise) into the air.
As the vapour cools, it (condense) into tiny droplets.
These droplets (form) clouds.
When the droplets become heavy, they (fall) to the ground as rain or snow.

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

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

Water is heated by the .
The water vapour cools and forms .
The droplets fall as rain or .
In the first phase, water moves from the sea into the .

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

Start with “In the first 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: evaporation, condensation, precipitation.
I used active verbs (rises, cools, falls) and the passive only where needed (is heated).
I mentioned the sun, the clouds and “rain or snow”.
I used at least one complex sentence (as / once / which).

🔒 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.

On the ground, some of the rainwater flows over the land into streams and rivers.

Finally, all this water collects in rivers, lakes and the sea.

From there, the cycle starts again.

At the same time, some water goes into the soil and becomes groundwater.

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Pick the word or phrase that fits each gap.

, some rainwater into streams and rivers.
Some water soaks into the soil, it becomes groundwater.
, the water collects in the sea, the cycle begins again.

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

Start with “On the ground, … / Turning to the ground stage, …”.

Words: 0 (target 50–70)

I covered stages 4–6: run-off, infiltration, collection.
I mentioned streams and rivers, the soil and groundwater.
I said that the cycle starts again – it is cyclical.

🔒 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 Water Cycle

The Task

1How many stages? Name them.

Phase 1 – Movement into and through the air (Stages 1–3)

Phase 2 – Movement over and under the ground (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