Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-11-14

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 5.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of making electricity by geothermal energy.

Overall, the process includes 5 main stages, begenning with pumping cold water to the production of electricity by generator. It involves heating water by geothermal energy and conversion of water into steam.

Initially, the cold water is pumped 4.5km down to the injection well and then enters the geothermal zone which contains hot rocks by which cold water converts into very hot water, then hot water is pumped through the production well to the surface.

In fourth stage, the hot water enters the condenser which

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

You identify the process as geothermal electricity production and describe the initial stages accurately, including water travelling 4.5 km down the injection well, passing through hot rocks, and returning via the production well. However, the response stops partway through the fourth stage: “the hot water enters the condenser which” leaves the explanation unfinished. The steam, turbine and generator stages are therefore not reported, and the overview’s claim of five stages does not compensate for these major omissions. The response also contains only 96 words, below the required 150, so the process is substantially incomplete. To improve, provide a complete account of the later stages and a concise overview of the full sequence.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a basic, sensible sequence: an introduction, an overview, and a paragraph beginning with the initial stage. Sequencing expressions such as “Overall,” “Initially,” and “then” help the reader follow the stages that are included. However, the progression breaks off at “In fourth stage,” and the unfinished clause prevents the explanation from reaching its conclusion. The overview and body also overlap in describing the early process, while the later stages have no paragraph or transition. Organise the description into a complete sequence, using clear links from underground heating to steam production and then electricity generation. A final sentence or paragraph covering the turbine and generator would give the response a more complete progression.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “geothermal zone,” “hot rocks,” “production well,” and “condenser,” which makes the subject identifiable. There is also some attempt to vary wording through phrases such as “making electricity” and “conversion of water into steam.” However, the range is limited because the response ends before naming or describing the turbine and generator stages. Some choices are imprecise or awkward: “by geothermal energy” is less natural than “using geothermal energy,” and “by which cold water converts” is an unclear way to describe heating. The spelling “begenning” also needs correction. Use precise process verbs such as “is heated,” “rises,” “drives,” and “generates” to describe each stage clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response attempts both simple and more complex sentence forms. For example, the overview uses a participial phrase, “beginning with…,” and the process description links several stages with “then.” These attempts show some range, but control is uneven. The long sentence beginning “Initially” joins several stages with repeated “and” and “then,” making the relationships difficult to follow. The phrase “In fourth stage” is missing an article, and the final clause, “the hot water enters the condenser which,” is incomplete. The overview’s construction “beginning with pumping cold water to the production” is also grammatically awkward. Use shorter, complete sentences and check articles and clause endings; for example, explain each stage in a separate sentence.

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