Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-06

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 the procedure of the electricity production through the old primitive way of steam which is known as geothermal energy.

The components need to produce the electricity are cold water, injection well, geothermal zone, the production well, condenser, turbine and generator.

Initially, cold water is pumped down the ground almost 4.5 kilometer through injection well from where water is passed through the geothermal zone or the layer of earth which makes the water hot. Afterwards the hot water is pushed into the condenser through the production well where it is converted into steam. Moreover the steam is passed into turbine which rotates the turbine whereas it helps to rotate the generator machine and it produces the electricity. The electricity is then supplied to the electricity polls and which later on transferred to the community.

This is the whole procedure used in the production of electricity which is called geothermal power plant.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy process, identifying the key components and the sequence of events. However, the description is somewhat basic and lacks a clear overview or summary of the process as a whole. The introduction is slightly inaccurate, describing the process as 'old primitive', which is not supported by the diagram. While the main features are reported, the response would benefit from a more analytical approach, such as highlighting the cyclical nature of the water flow or the transformation of energy types, rather than just listing the steps.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized, moving step-by-step through the process. Paragraphing is used, although the structure is quite fragmented. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Afterwards', and 'Moreover' are used to link the stages, but the flow feels somewhat mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, though the connection between the turbine and the generator could be smoother. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner, but the transition between the technical steps and the final distribution of electricity could be more fluid.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with the student correctly identifying technical terms like 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'turbine'. However, there is a lack of variety and some imprecise word choices, such as 'old primitive way' and 'generator machine'. The range is limited, and the student relies on simple verbs like 'pushed' and 'passed'. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to energy production, such as 'harnessing', 'thermal energy', or 'pressurized'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The components need to produce' (should be 'needed'), '4.5 kilometer' (should be 'kilometers'), and 'electricity polls' (likely meant 'power poles'). The use of articles is inconsistent, for example, 'pumped down the ground' (should be 'into the ground'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. The student should focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions.

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

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