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 how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity, outlining the various mechanical stages involved from the initial input to the final output.

Overall, it is clear that the process consists of 5 distinct stages commencing with cold water and culminating in electricity production. Throughout the process, the geothermal zone is progressively transformed through a series of interconnected mechnical operations, ultimately producing electricity.

At the outset, cold water enters the system and pumped down directed towards the injection well where it undergoes through geothermal zone, it is then transferred to the production well during which the hot water pumped up for condenser. Following this, the energy passes through condenser allowing steam to powered turbines. Once this stage has been completed, it is conveyed to the subsequent phase for further precessing.

Consequently, the steam is processed through condensor enabling it to achieve the required form it to achieve the required form to generate the desired output. The generator powered by turbine steam and produce electricity. The final output is produced.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main stages of the geothermal energy process. You provide a clear overview and follow the sequence of the diagram. However, the description of the process is somewhat inaccurate in places; for example, you mention the steam powers the turbines after passing through the condenser, whereas the diagram shows the steam powers the turbines before entering the condenser. Additionally, the final sentence is repetitive and lacks clarity regarding the full cycle. To improve, ensure that your description of the mechanical process is technically accurate based on the visual evidence provided, as precision is vital for Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'At the outset', 'Following this', and 'Consequently' to guide the reader through the stages. However, the flow is occasionally disrupted by awkward phrasing and some repetitive sentence structures. The transition between the description of the injection well and the production well is a bit abrupt. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of cohesive devices and ensuring that the progression of ideas is smoother and less mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', and 'condenser'. However, there are several spelling errors, such as 'mechnical' instead of 'mechanical' and 'precessing' instead of 'processing'. Additionally, there is some repetition of phrases, such as 'it to achieve the required form', which weakens the lexical variety. To improve, proofread your work to catch simple spelling mistakes and try to use more precise verbs to describe the movement of energy and water through the system.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. For instance, 'cold water enters the system and pumped down' is missing an auxiliary verb, and 'steam to powered turbines' is grammatically incorrect. There are also issues with subject-verb agreement and missing articles. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents a higher score. Focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly the use of passive voice, which is essential for describing industrial processes.

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