The first step of making pencils concerns the wood. First, there are blocks of wood that are longer than the pencil's size. Those blocks get sliced using very tin saws, forming thinner slats. Machines create grooves that allow space for lead to be inserted in a single slat. A second slat is placed over the first one using glue. Once the glue dries, it can be shaped like the pencil we know. This forms the body of the pencil. The ferrule, which is a metal ring that holds the eraser, is creased together with the eraser into the pencil, using a tipping machine.
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Question Focus: The diagram shows the soft rubber part at the end of the pencil. We need to label what this part is.
Correct Answer: D
Why this is correct: The diagram is pointing to the rubber part at the end of the pencil. The passage clearly says the ferrule is a metal ring that holds the eraser, so the soft part itself is the eraser.
Passage Reference: The ferrule, which is a metal ring that holds the eraser, is creased together with the eraser into the pencil, using a tipping machine.
Common Mistake: Some students choose ferrule because it is mentioned in the same sentence. But the ferrule is the metal ring, not the rubber. This is a context shift trap.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'holds the eraser' = Diagram: 'rubber part at the end of the pencil'
Tips: When labeling parts, check if the diagram shows a material or a holder. Do not confuse the object with what holds it.
Key Vocabulary:
- eraser = rubber used to remove pencil marks
- holds = keeps in place
Question Focus: The diagram points to the long main part of the pencil. We need to identify what this whole part is called.
Correct Answer: B
Passage Reference: Once the glue dries, it can be shaped like the pencil we know. This forms the body of the pencil.
Why this is correct: The diagram shows the main wooden part of the pencil. The passage says after shaping, this forms the body of the pencil, so the correct label is body.
Common Mistake: Students often choose wood because the body is made of wood. But the question asks for the name of the part, not the material. This is a partial truth trap.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'body of the pencil' = Diagram: 'main long part of the pencil'
Tips: If the diagram shows a whole section, look for naming words like 'forms' or 'is called' in the passage.
Key Vocabulary:
- body = main part
- shaped = formed
Question Focus: The diagram highlights the thin line inside the pencil that is used for writing.
Correct Answer: E
Passage Reference: Machines create grooves that allow space for lead to be inserted in a single slat.
Why this is correct: The diagram shows the writing material inside the pencil. The passage explains that grooves allow space for lead to be inserted, so the answer is lead.
Common Mistake: Some students pick slat because it is mentioned near lead in the passage. But the slat holds the lead, it is not the writing material. This is a context shift trap.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'lead to be inserted' = Diagram: 'material inside the pencil'
Tips: For inside parts, ask yourself what the function is. Writing points to lead, not wood pieces.
Key Vocabulary:
- lead = pencil writing material
- groove = narrow cut
Question Focus: The diagram points to the metal ring between the pencil body and the eraser.
Correct Answer: F
Passage Reference: The ferrule, which is a metal ring that holds the eraser, is creased together with the eraser into the pencil, using a tipping machine.
Why this is correct: The diagram shows a metal ring near the eraser. The passage directly explains that the ferrule is a metal ring, so this label must be ferrule.
Common Mistake: Students sometimes choose tip because it sounds like an end part. But the passage never mentions a tip here. This is a Not Given trap.
Paraphrasing: Passage: 'metal ring that holds the eraser' = Diagram: 'metal ring near eraser'
Tips: When the passage gives a clear definition, use it directly. IELTS often tests these definition sentences.
Key Vocabulary:
- ferrule = metal ring
- tipping machine = machine that fixes the end
General Tips:
- Diagram questions usually follow passage order. Start from the beginning of the process and move step by step.
- Always match the diagram picture with the function described in the passage, not just a nearby word.
- Cross out each option after you use it so you do not reuse the same word.
- If two options seem similar, ask which one names the part and which one describes material or support.
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