Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram shows how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity in a geothermal power plant. Overall, the process involves several stages, beginning with pumping cold water underground and ending with the generation of electricity through a turbine and generator. Initially, cold water is pumped approximately 4.5 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface through an injection well. It then flows through a geothermal zone, where it is heated by hot rocks located deep underground. As a result of this process, the water becomes extremely hot and is forced back up to the surface through a production well. In subsequent step, the hot water enters a condenser, where it is transformed into steam. This steam is then directed towards a turbine, causing it to spin at a high speed. The rotating turbine drives a generator, which produces electricity. Finally, the electricity generated is transmitted through power lines and supplied for both domestic and industrial use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully covers all stages of the geothermal energy production process. You have identified the main features, such as the injection well, the geothermal zone, the production well, the condenser, and the turbine/generator system. The overview is clear and provides a logical summary of the entire cycle. To reach a higher band, you could improve by explicitly mentioning the cyclical nature of the process (e.g., the water returning to the injection well) or by highlighting the specific depth mentioned in the diagram more effectively as a key feature. Overall, the information is accurate and well-selected.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, following the chronological flow of the diagram. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'As a result of this process', 'In subsequent step', and 'Finally'. These transitions help the reader follow the process without difficulty. Paragraphing is appropriate, though the entire response is currently one block. For a process description, this is acceptable, but splitting the text into two paragraphs—perhaps separating the underground phase from the surface electricity generation phase—would improve the structure and make it easier to read.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical process description, using terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'transmitted'. The word choice is generally precise and natural. There is a minor error in the phrase 'In subsequent step', which should be 'In a subsequent step' or 'In the subsequent step'. To improve further, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or synonyms to describe the movement of the water and steam, which would elevate the lexical range to a higher level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response shows a good command of grammatical structures, including the use of passive voice, which is essential for describing processes (e.g., 'is pumped', 'is heated', 'is transformed'). The sentences are generally error-free and clear. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. The minor article error mentioned in the lexical section is the only notable slip. The punctuation is accurate throughout, and the flow of information is not hindered by any grammatical issues. This indicates a strong control over sentence construction.

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