Band 7+: You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. The following diagram shows how pencils are manufactured. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

The processing diagram describes the production of pencils.

Overall, pencil formation includes nine stages, starting with the pencil leads, which include three components, to a manufactured pencil in the end.

In the first four stages, after ground graphite, clay and water are mixed together, they become a graphite dough. Following this, this mixture is put into a forming press in order to create graphite rod. After the pressure, rods are cut, producing leads. The next step includes the oven, where leads are dried at the temperature of 800 degrees.

In the last five stages, while leads are in the oven, the production of pencil cases, where dried leads will be placed, begins. Grooves are cut in wooden slats with the help of a sharp instrument. The next stage involves glue, which allows leads to stay in the form. As soon as the form is filled, another wooden slat is placed above the previous one, creating the “sandwich” of slats. The last step includes a shaping machine, which creates smooth finish, ending the production of a pencil.