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BEST IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, 17th May
IELTS ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 1
IELTS ACADEMIC WRITING TASK 1
The diagram shows how small and large Venus Flytrap species handle small prey to optimize their use of digestive enzymes.
Summarise the information by identifying the main features and making comparisons where relevant.
SAMPLE ANSWER
The diagram illustrates the method employed by small and large Venus flytrap species to handle small prey in order to ensure efficient digestion.
Overall, both types of Venus Flytraps follow a similar process to capture prey, beginning with the stimulation of trigger hairs, followed by the rapid closure of the trap, and concluding with nutrient absorption. However, larger traps optimize their use of digestive enzymes by excluding small prey.
Looking first at the structure, the plant’s leaves have evolved into traps. Each trap consists of two hinged parts that can snap shut. Along the edges are long, hair-like structures that give the plant the appearance of having spiny teeth. Inside the trap, there are several trigger hairs. Turning to the mechanism, when small prey, such as ants, touch the trigger hairs, the trap snaps shut quickly, and the outer teeth interlock to enclose the prey.
Once the trap closes, the plant releases enzymes to digest the prey and absorb nutrients. However, when small prey enter a large trap, they may only contact a few trigger hairs. This enables the plant to recognize the prey as small and allow it to escape, thereby conserving digestive enzymes for larger targets.
