Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-03

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates how geothermal energy is used to generate electricity through a series of five stages.

Overall, the process begins with cold water being pumped deep underground and ends with electricity being produced by a generator. The geothermal heat stored beneath the Earth's surface is used to convert water into steam, which drives a turbine.

In the first stage, cold water is pumped down an injection well to a depth of approximately 4.5 kilometres below the ground. The water then passes through a geothermal zone consisting of hot rocks, where it is heated as it flows through the underground chamber.

Next, the hot water is forced back to the surface through a second shaft known as the production well. Once it reaches the surface, the heated water enters a condenser, where it is transformed into steam.

In the final stage, the steam is directed towards a turbine, causing its blades to rotate. The spinning turbine powers a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electricity. The electricity produced is then transmitted through power lines for distribution and use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the geothermal energy production process. You have clearly identified the main features, such as the injection well, the geothermal zone, the production well, the condenser, and the turbine/generator. The overview provides a concise summary of the entire cycle, which is a key requirement for Task 1. The information is accurate and well-sequenced, allowing the reader to follow the process logically from start to finish. There are no significant omissions, and the response maintains a formal, objective tone appropriate for an academic report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, a brief overview, and distinct body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Next', and 'In the final stage' creates a smooth flow between ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different phases of the process. The progression of information is logical, and referencing (e.g., 'the water', 'the steam') is clear throughout, ensuring that the reader can easily track the movement of the elements through the system.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, such as 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'mechanical energy'. The word choices are precise and contribute to a clear explanation of the technical process. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms for 'pumped' or 'heated' could elevate the response further toward the highest band, but the current range is more than sufficient for a high score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the passive voice ('is used to generate', 'is pumped', 'is heated') which is highly appropriate for describing a process. Punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.

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