IELTS Cambridge Book 8 Test 3 AC – Task 1

Question – 

WRITING TASK 1

You should spend 20 minutes on this task.

The diagrams show the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process, and how cement is used to produce concrete for building purposes.

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

You should write at least 150 words.

Answer –

The first picture shows how cement is made using special apparatuses, while the second image depicts the process by which concrete is produced using cement for construction.

Overall, cement production is a 5-stage, man-made, linear process. It begins with the crushing and then mixing of raw materials and culminates in the grinding and packaging of new cement. Making concrete is also a man-made, linear process comprising just two main stages.

Looking at cement production, limestone and clay are crushed in a crusher initially, and the resulting powder is then transferred to a mixer to mix the ingredients properly. Once mixed thoroughly, this powder is passed through a rotating heater. After heating the powder, it is placed on a conveyor belt of a grinder so that it can be ground into fine particles called cement. At last, this cement is packaged and transported to make concrete.

Focusing on concrete production, concrete’s composition consists of 10% water, 15% cement, half gravel, and quarter sand. All of these are added in a cylindrical drum known as a concrete mixer, which is rotated anti-clockwise until concrete is obtained.