This lesson is about the language forms we need to use when describing processes. You may need to do this if you are presented with a process diagram in Writing Task 1.
First, we’ll watch a video that describes how plastic is made. Before watching the video, check that you understand the following vocabulary.
| synthetic | carbon | pellet | to mould | hydrogen | injection |
| to derive | polymer | to manufacture | by-products | to process | raw materials |
How is plastic made?
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When describing a process linking and sequencing words are used:
Examples:
- before, after
- firstly, secondly, thirdly, etc.
- next, then
- finally, lastly
Passive verb forms are used to describe the parts of the process. The passive is used for a number of reasons:
- we don’t know who is responsible for the process, or it doesn’t matter
- the process could take place at any time and is always done the same way
- we want to use an objective, neutral style of writing
Examples:
- The ability to be moulded would not be possible without the unique blend of material.
- Plastics are derived from raw materials.
- By-products are mixed with other chemicals.
- The raw materials are produced into a pellet form.
- Plastics can be mass-produced into a wide variety of shapes.
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