Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
It is often argued that the most effective way to improve public health is by increasing the number of sports facilities. While I agree that sports facilities can encourage people to lead a more active lifestyle, I believe that there are other more effective ways to improve public health.
On the one hand, providing more sports facilities can be beneficial for public health. Firstly, it makes it easier for people to engage in physical activities. For example, if there is a gym or a swimming pool nearby, people are more likely to use them regularly. Secondly, sports facilities can provide a space for people to socialise and build community, which can have a positive impact on mental health.
On the other hand, I believe that there are other more effective ways to improve public health. One of the most important factors is education. If people are educated about the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise, they are more likely to make better choices. For instance, schools can teach children about nutrition and the benefits of physical activity. Another important factor is government policy. For example, the government can tax unhealthy foods and subsidise healthy ones. This can encourage people to eat more healthily.
In conclusion, while sports facilities can play a role in improving public health, I believe that education and government policy are more effective. By focusing on these areas, we can create a healthier society for everyone.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 1.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 1.0
The response is completely off-topic. The task required a report on a diagram showing how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity (Academic Task 1). Instead, the student provided an essay arguing about public health and sports facilities (Academic Task 2). As the response fails to address the prompt entirely, it cannot be assessed against the criteria for a report. According to the IELTS marking criteria, a response that is completely unrelated to the task must be awarded a band score of 1.0 for Task Achievement, as it does not address any part of the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
Although the content is irrelevant to the task, the writing itself demonstrates a clear structure. The essay is organised into logical paragraphs with an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Firstly', 'For example', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to link ideas. The progression of the argument is logical and easy to follow. While the content is off-topic, the internal organisation of the text is coherent and demonstrates a level of control consistent with a higher band score for this specific criterion.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary used is appropriate for an argumentative essay. The student employs a sufficient range of vocabulary to express their ideas clearly, including terms like 'socialise', 'nutrition', 'subsidise', and 'effective'. There is some flexibility in word choice, and the language is natural. While the vocabulary is not highly sophisticated, it is precise enough to convey the intended meaning without errors. The range is adequate for the task, showing a good command of general English vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The student uses conditional sentences ('If people are educated...', 'if there is a gym...') and complex noun phrases effectively. Grammar and punctuation are generally accurate, with very few errors. The control over sentence structure is consistent, and the writing is error-free for the most part. The grammatical range is sufficient to support the clear communication of the student's ideas throughout the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.