Drinking-Water Treatment – STUDENT'S EDITION

The Task

The diagram below shows how water from a reservoir is treated before it is supplied to homes.

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 taking water out of a reservoir to supplying clean water to homes through pipes.

Phase 1 – Cleaning the water (Stages 1–5)

1
Pumping from a reservoirWater is pumped from a reservoir to the treatment plant.
2
ScreeningLarge objects are removed by metal screens.
3
Adding chemicalsChemicals are added so that small particles stick together.
4
SettlingThe dirt sinks to the bottom of a tank as sludge.
5
FilteringThe water is filtered through layers of sand and gravel.

Phase 2 – Disinfection, storage and supply (Stages 6–8)

6
DisinfectionChlorine is added to kill bacteria.
7
StorageThe clean water is stored in a large tank.
8
Supply to homesThe water is sent through pipes to homes.

The diagram does not label the phases. This lesson divides the process into removing dirt from the water (stages 1–5) and making it safe and supplying it (stages 6–8).

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 Pumping from a reservoir	Sequencer + S + is + V3 + from + place + to + place	The process commences when + adj + N + is + V3 + from + N + and + V3 + to + N
2 Screening	Sequencer + S + passes through + N, where + adj + N + like + N + are + V3	On + N + S + is + V3 + through + N, which + trap + adj + N + such as + N, N and N
3 Adding chemicals	Sequencer + S + are + V3 + to + N + to make + N + V (purpose)	Following this + S + are + V3 + into + N, causing + N + to V (result)
4 Settling	Then + S + is + V3 + in + place, where + the dirt + sinks to + N + as + N	Next + S + is + V3 + in + N, in which + these + adj-er + N + sink to + N + and are + V3 + as + N
5 Filtering	Sequencer + S + is + V3 + through + N + of + N and N	Subsequently + the + adverb + V3 + N + is + V3 + through + N + to + V + any + adj + N
6 Disinfection	In the + phase + S + is + V3 + to + N + to + V (purpose)	Turning to the + phase + S + is + V3 + with + N, which + kills + any + adj + N
7 Storage	Sequencer + adj + N + is + V3 + in + adj + N	Once + V3 (reduced clause) + S + is + V3 + in + adj + N + until + S + is + V3
8 Supply to homes	Final sequencer + S + is + V3 + through + N + to + N	In the final stage + it + is + V3 + through + a network of + N + to + N + as + adj + 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, nước được bơm (pumped) từ hồ chứa đến nhà máy xử lý.

Hiện tại đơn BỊ ĐỘNG: is pumped

2

Tiếp theo, nước chảy qua các tấm lưới chắn (screens), nơi những vật lớn như lá cây và rác bị loại bỏ.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where có bị động (are removed)

3

Sau đó, hoá chất được thêm (added) vào nước để làm các hạt bụi bẩn nhỏ dính lại với nhau.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + make + O + V

4

Sau đó, nước được để trong bể lắng, nơi bụi bẩn chìm (sinks) xuống đáy thành bùn.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + mệnh đề where (chủ động)

5

Sau đó, nước được lọc (filtered) qua các lớp cát và sỏi.

Hiện tại đơn bị động: is filtered

6

Ở giai đoạn thứ hai, clo được thêm vào nước để tiêu diệt vi khuẩn (bacteria).

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

7

Tiếp theo, nước sạch được giữ (kept) trong một bể chứa lớn.

Hiện tại đơn bị động: is kept

8

Cuối cùng, nước được dẫn (sent) qua đường ống đến nhà dân.

Hiện tại đơn bị động: is sent

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 is pumped from a reservoir to a treatment plant.
The water passes through screens, large objects are removed.
Chemicals are added make small pieces of dirt stick together.
The water is held in a tank, the dirt sinks to the bottom.
The water is filtered through sand and gravel, removes any remaining particles.
the final phase, chlorine is added to kill bacteria.
treated, the water is stored in a large tank.
The water is kept in the tank it is needed.
The water is stored and sent through pipes.
, clean water reaches people's homes.

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 bơm nước từ hồ chứa.

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

The process begins with water being pumped from a reservoir.

2

Nước chảy qua lưới chắn, nơi mà (where) rác được loại bỏ.

Hiện tại đơn chủ động + mệnh đề where (bị động)

The water passes through screens, where rubbish is removed.

3

Hoá chất được thêm vào để (to) làm bụi bẩn kết lại.

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

Chemicals are added to make the dirt stick together.

4

Nước được giữ trong bể, trong đó (in which) bùn chìm xuống đáy.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + mệnh đề in which

The water is held in a tank, in which the sludge sinks to the bottom.

5

Tiếp theo đó (Following this), nước được lọc qua cát và sỏi.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

Following this, the water is filtered through sand and gravel.

6

Chuyển sang (Turning to) giai đoạn cuối, clo được thêm vào nước.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

Turning to the final phase, chlorine is added to the water.

7

Clo được thêm vào, chất này (which) tiêu diệt vi khuẩn.

Hiện tại đơn bị động + mệnh đề which

Chlorine is added, which kills bacteria.

8

Một khi (Once) đã được xử lý, nước được trữ trong bể lớn.

Once + V3 + Hiện tại đơn bị động

Once treated, the water is stored in a large tank.

9

Ở giai đoạn cuối (In the final stage), nước được dẫn qua đường ống.

Hiện tại đơn bị động

In the final stage, the water is sent through pipes.

10

Quá trình kết thúc bằng (ends with) việc nước sạch được cung cấp tới các hộ gia đình.

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

The process ends with clean water being supplied to homes.

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 from a reservoir is treated	how water from a reservoir is cleaned	the way in which reservoir water is cleaned	the process by which water taken from a reservoir is purified
before it is supplied to homes	before it goes to homes	before it is sent to households	prior to being distributed to households

Tip: “reservoir” is a technical word – keep it. “purified” and “cleaned” are accurate synonyms for “treated”; “households” is a synonym for “homes”.

Sample Introductions

Sample 1 – Band 6.0

The diagram illustrates the way in which reservoir water is cleaned before it is sent to households.

Band 6 features: a common reporting verb (illustrates), a the way in which + passive phrase and a clear time clause (before it is sent).

Sample 2 – Band 7.0

The given diagram depicts the process by which water taken from a reservoir is purified prior to being distributed to households.

Band 7 features: precise verb (depicts), a by which clause, a reduced relative clause (water taken from), a precise verb (purified) and prior to being + V3.

Template for students

The diagram shows / illustrates how reservoir water is treated / the process by which water is purified before it is supplied / prior to being distributed to homes / households.

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 “chemicals”, “sand and gravel”, “chlorine” or “sludge”).

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 water from a reservoir and finishes with clean water going to homes.

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: cleaning the water and then disinfecting, storing and supplying it. The process begins with water being pumped from a reservoir and ends with clean water being sent to homes.

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 removal of dirt from the water and its disinfection, storage and supply – commencing with the extraction of water from a reservoir and culminating in the distribution of clean water to homes.

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 1–5 → Body 2: Stages 6–8. 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. Pumping from a reservoir	5. Filtering	Cleaning the water: Pumping from a reservoir → Screening → Adding chemicals → Settling → Filtering	60–80
Body 2	6. Disinfection	8. Supply to homes	Disinfection, storage and supply: Disinfection → Storage → Supply to homes	50–70

A · Introduction

Exercise 1 – Match the paraphrase

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

shows →
is treated →
is supplied →
homes →
before →

Exercise 2 – Complete the Introduction

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

The diagram the process by water taken from a reservoir is prior to being to households.

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 : cleaning the water and then disinfecting, and supplying it. The process with water being pumped from a reservoir and with clean water being sent to homes.

Exercise 5 – Choose the best Overview

Which sentence is a good Band 6.0+ overview?

A. Overall, chemicals, sand and gravel, and chlorine are used to clean the water.B. Overall, the process has eight stages in two phases, from pumping water out of a reservoir to supplying clean water to homes.C. Overall, everyone should drink clean water to stay healthy.

Why? A lists details (chemicals, sand, chlorine) – 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 5

Exercise 7 – Passive verbs

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

First, water (pump) from a reservoir.
Large objects (remove) by screens.
After that, chemicals (add) to the water.
In the settling tank, the dirt (sink) to the bottom.
Then, the water (filter) through sand and gravel.

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

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

Screens remove large objects such as leaves and .
The dirt at the bottom of the tank is called .
The water is filtered through layers of sand and .
In the first phase, there are stages.

Exercise 9 – Write Body 1 (Stages 1 → 5)

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 1–5 in order: pumping, screening, chemicals, settling, filtering.
I used the passive for most stages (is pumped, are removed, are added).
I mentioned leaves and rubbish, sludge, and sand and gravel.
I used at least one complex sentence (where / which / in which).

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

D · Body 2 – from Stage 6 to Stage 8

Exercise 10 – Put the sentences in order

Choose 1–4 for each sentence.

Finally, the water is sent through pipes to people's homes.

It stays there until it is needed.

Next, the clean water is kept in a large storage tank.

In the second phase, chlorine is added to the water to kill bacteria.

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Pick the word or phrase that fits each gap.

, the water with chlorine.
treated, the water is stored in a large tank.
, it is through pipes to homes.

Exercise 12 – Write Body 2 (Stages 6 → 8)

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

Words: 0 (target 50–70)

I covered stages 6–8: disinfection, storage, supply.
I mentioned chlorine and bacteria.
I ended with the output: clean drinking water in homes.

🔒 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 Drinking Water Is Treated

The Task

1How many stages? Name them.

Phase 1 – Cleaning the water (Stages 1–5)

Phase 2 – Disinfection, storage and supply (Stages 6–8)

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 5

Exercise 7 – Passive verbs

Exercise 8 – Check the details in the diagram

Exercise 9 – Write Body 1 (Stages 1 → 5)

D · Body 2 – from Stage 6 to Stage 8

Exercise 10 – Put the sentences in order

Exercise 11 – Choose the correct linker

Exercise 12 – Write Body 2 (Stages 6 → 8)

E · Put it all together

Exercise 13 – Your full essay

Model Answers – Band 6.0 & Band 7.0