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 given diagram represents about the process of production of electricity with the help of geothermal energy. It is a man made process chart.

Overall, it is crystal clear that this process involves exactly five steps commencing with cold water pumping into ground and ending with generation of electricity.

At the fleeting glance, it is evident that the initial step involves pumping of cold water underground at 4.5 km. Second step involves the injection of cold water into hot rocks called geothermal zone. Post this the hot water goes into the production well that pumps up the hot water.

Moving ahead, the hot water goes into the condenser where it gets converted into steam. following this the steam goes into the turbine and activates it and the generator that is powered by turbine produces electricity which is further used in many purposes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy process, but it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words. Because the response is under-length, it is penalized under Task Achievement. While the overview is present and the key steps are identified, the description lacks sufficient detail and depth. For instance, the explanation of the condenser and turbine could be expanded to better describe the mechanical transformation of energy. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive summary that fully explores all parts of the diagram to meet the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the five steps of the process. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction/overview from the body paragraphs. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'the' to start sentences or simple transitions like 'Moving ahead' and 'following this'. To reach a higher band, you should aim for a wider variety of linking words and phrases to improve the flow between sentences and ensure that the progression of ideas feels more natural and less like a list.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the reader to follow the process. You use some relevant technical terms such as 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', and 'turbine'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of slightly unnatural phrasing, such as 'represents about the process' and 'at the fleeting glance'. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and avoiding unnecessary filler words. Expanding your range of vocabulary related to energy production and mechanical processes will help you achieve a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'pumping into ground' (missing article) and 'used in many purposes' (incorrect preposition). Additionally, some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'It is a man made process chart'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they demonstrate a lack of control over more complex grammatical forms. Increasing your use of varied, error-free complex sentences will improve your score in this criterion.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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