Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-05

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 5.5)

The diagram illustrates how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity in a power plant . Overall, the process is closed system that involves pumping cold water deep underground, heating it to produce steam ,And using the steam to generate electricity . And then recycling the water back into the ground .The process begins with the cold water being pumped down through the injection well to a depth of 4.5 km . where hot rocks are present in geothermal zone . At this depth , water is heated by surrounding rock and turns to the high pressure steam . This steam then rises to the surface through the production well . Then this steam is directed towards the turbines . As the steam passes through the turbine , it cases it to rotate . Then it is directed toward the generator, where electricity is generated . The generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy . The electricity is then transmitted via power lines for public use . This whole system is collectively is called geothermal power plant .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main stages of the geothermal energy production process, from the injection of cold water to the final transmission of electricity. You clearly described the key components, such as the injection well, production well, turbines, and generator. The overview provided at the beginning is effective in summarizing the closed-loop nature of the system. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the depth (4.5 km) and the temperature context more fluidly within the narrative, and ensure that all parts of the diagram are integrated into a cohesive summary rather than just listing steps sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized, following the sequence of the diagram from start to finish. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire response is presented as a single block of text, which hinders the visual structure of the report. While you use cohesive devices like 'Then', 'As', and 'The process begins with', some of these transitions feel repetitive and mechanical. To improve, vary your linking words and use paragraph breaks to separate the initial overview from the detailed description of the process stages.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary related to the topic, such as 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'mechanical energy', and 'electrical energy'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'cases it to rotate' (should be 'causes') and 'collectively is called' (redundant). The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the process clearly, but it lacks the more sophisticated, precise collocations that would elevate the response to a higher band. Focus on using more varied verbs to describe the movement of steam and energy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, including punctuation issues (e.g., 'steam ,And using', 'depth , where'), capitalization errors (e.g., 'And then'), and subject-verb agreement issues (e.g., 'process is closed system'). The frequent use of 'And' at the start of sentences and the inconsistent use of commas detract from the overall fluency. To improve, focus on sentence boundary control and ensuring articles (a/the) are used correctly before nouns.

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