The process of canning of fish.
IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 - Diagram
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IELTS Writing Task 1 Question
The diagram below shows the process of canning of fish. Write a report for a university lecturer describing the process below.
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Common questions for the canning process diagram
1. Graph Type: Process diagram (flowchart).
2. Title: The Process of Canning Fish.
3. What are the units of measurement?: Number of steps involved in the canning process.
4. Who: The process involves fish, workers, and canning facilities.
5. When: The process starts when the fish is caught and continues through to the final product.
6. Where: The process takes place in a canning factory.
7. Topic: The diagram outlines the series of steps in the fish canning process.
Comparison Showing and Trends
Comparison 1 : Fish Preparation
- The fish go through a series of steps involving thawing, cutting into large pieces, steaming, and cooling before they are finally filleted and reduced into smaller pieces.
Comparison 2 : Packaging and Sealing
- After preparation, the pieces are canned with brine, water, or oil. These cans are sealed and sterilized to ensure the fish remains fresh and safe for consumption over an extended period.
Comparison 3 : Final Stages
- The cans are stamped or labeled before being stored and dispatched to supermarkets, making the final product ready for sale.
Sample Answer
The diagram illustrates the detailed process involved in the canning of fish. The procedure consists of 15 steps, beginning from the catch of the fish to their final dispatch to supermarkets.
The process starts with the fish being caught and frozen, then stored until they are ready for further processing. The frozen fish are unloaded, weighed, and thawed. After thawing, the fish are cut into large pieces and steam-cooked.
Following the cooking, the fish are cooled and filleted or cut into smaller pieces. These pieces are then placed in cans, where brine, water, or oil is added. The cans are sealed and subjected to a sterilization process through heating. After sterilization, the cans are stamped or labelled, and finally, the products are stored and dispatched to supermarkets for sale.
Overall, the canning of fish involves a systematic and detailed process to ensure the freshness of the product and its ability to remain consumable over a long period.
Top 26 Vocabulary
Vocabulary | Meaning | Synonyms | Examples | Type |
Thaw | To unfreeze or warm something frozen | Defrost, melt | “The frozen fish are thawed before being cut into pieces.” | Verb |
Fillet | To remove the bones from fish or meat | Debone, slice | “The fish are filleted into smaller pieces after cooking.” | Verb |
Sterilize | To treat with heat or chemicals to kill bacteria | Sanitize, disinfect | “The cans are sterilized to ensure the fish is safe for consumption.” | Verb |
Brine | A solution of salt in water used for preserving food | Saltwater, solution | “Brine is added to the cans to preserve the fish.” | Noun |
Dispatch | To send or deliver goods to a destination | Send, deliver, distribute | “Once the cans are labeled, they are dispatched to supermarkets for sale.” | Verb |
Catch | To capture or take hold of something, typically fish | Capture, seize | “The fish are caught from the ocean before processing begins.” | Verb |
Frozen | Turned into ice or cold storage form | Iced, chilled | “The fish are frozen immediately after being caught.” | Adjective |
Unload | To remove goods or items from a vehicle or container | Unpack, empty | “The frozen fish are unloaded from the transport vehicles.” | Verb |
Weigh | To measure the weight of something | Measure, gauge | “The fish are weighed to ensure the proper quantity for canning.” | Verb |
Steam-cook | To cook by using steam instead of direct heat | Boil, steam | “The fish are steam-cooked to ensure they are tender.” | Verb |
Cut | To divide or slice into parts | Slice, chop | “The fish are cut into pieces after being thawed.” | Verb |
Cool | To lower the temperature or make something less hot | Chill, refrigerate | “The fish are cooled after being steamed.” | Verb |
Piece | A part or portion of something, often cut into smaller parts | Segment, portion | “The fish are cut into small pieces before being canned.” | Noun |
Add | To include or insert something into something else | Insert, include | “Brine or water is added to the fish pieces in the cans.” | Verb |
Seal | To close or fasten something tightly | Close, secure | “The cans are sealed tightly to keep the fish fresh.” | Verb |
Subject | To make someone or something experience a certain process | Expose, undergo | “The cans are subjected to a heating process for sterilization.” | Verb |
Label | To attach a tag or identifier to something | Tag, mark | “The cans are labelled before being stored in warehouses.” | Verb |
Process | A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a result | Procedure, method | “The fish undergo a detailed process before being canned.” | Noun |
Store | To keep or save for later use | Keep, stock | “The canned fish are stored in a warehouse until distribution.” | Verb |
Supermarket | A large store that sells food and other goods | Grocery store, market | “The canned fish are dispatched to supermarkets for sale.” | Noun |
Freshness | The quality of being new or not spoiled | Novelty, newness | “The process ensures the freshness of the fish for long storage.” | Noun |
Remain | To continue to be in a particular state or condition | Stay, last | “The fish remain safe to eat for a long period after canning.” | Verb |
Ensure | To make certain or guarantee something | Guarantee, assure | “The canning process ensures the product is safe and fresh.” | Verb |
Systematic | Done according to a system or plan | Methodical, organized | “The canning of fish follows a systematic approach.” | Adjective |
Detailed | Including many small facts or steps | Thorough, precise | “The diagram outlines the detailed steps in the canning process.” | Adjective |
Consumable | Able to be consumed or used | Edible, usable | “The canned fish remains consumable for months.” | Adjective |
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