Model Answer - Ielts Writing (Task 1)

The diagrams below show the life cycle of the silkworm and the stages in the production of silk.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

In order to produce silk cloth, two processes need to take place. The silk worm should go through its life cycle and then a made-made process is needed to turn a cocoon into cloth.

It takes a total of 16 days for a moth to become a cocoon and involves four stages. Initially a moth lays its eggs on a leaf. 10 days later, these become silkworm larva which feed on mulberry leaves. The larva spins a cocoon of silk thread in 4-6 weeks. The final stage comes to an end 3-8 days later with the complete cocoon.

In order to produce cloth, cocoons are selected then boiled in water. The thread, which reaches lengths of between 300 to 900m, is unwound then twisted. The thread is either dyed directly or woven and then the cloth is dyed.

All in all, the production of silk is a time consuming process involving two separate procedures. The natural procedure which lasts for up to 16 days follows the life cycle of the silkworm. Then there is human intervention which requires another 5 steps before the cloth is ready.

Cambridge, Ielts 6 past papers, p.75.

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