Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-07
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 how to produce electricity from geothermal energy.
overall, the geothermal power plant involves five stages, the process is cyclical and involves pumping cold water underground. heating it using natural geothermal heat, and then using the resulting steam to drive a turbine and generator. the cooled water is then recycled back into the system.
the process begins with cold water being pumped down an injection well to a depth of 4.5 km. the water travels through pipes to the geothermal zone, where hot rocks heat it up. the hot water is then pumped up back to the surface through a production well.
at the surface, the hot -water enters a condenser where water is converted into steam. this steam is used to power a turbine. the turbine in turn drives a generator, which produces electricity that is transmitted via power lines.
after passing through the turbine, the steam enters the condenser and cool down, turning back into water. finally, this water is pumped back down the injection well and the cycle starts again.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response successfully covers all stages of the geothermal energy production process. You have identified the main features, such as the injection well, the geothermal zone, the turbine, and the generator. The overview provides a clear summary of the cyclical nature of the process. To improve, ensure you avoid minor inaccuracies; for instance, you mentioned the condenser converts water to steam, whereas the diagram shows the steam is produced by the heat of the rocks before reaching the surface. Additionally, ensure your overview is more distinct from the body paragraphs to better highlight the 'main features' as required by the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and sequential body paragraphs that follow the process flow. You use some cohesive devices like 'the process begins', 'at the surface', and 'after passing through', which help the reader follow the steps. However, the paragraphing is slightly inconsistent, and the transition between the overview and the first body paragraph could be smoother. The use of referencing is generally clear, but some sentences are slightly repetitive in structure, which affects the overall flow. Improving the variety of linking words would elevate the coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms such as 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'turbine', and 'generator' correctly. There are some minor errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'illustrates the how to produce' (should be 'illustrates how electricity is produced') and 'cool down' (should be 'cools down' for subject-verb agreement). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band score. Incorporating more precise verbs and descriptive adjectives would improve your lexical range.
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, particularly regarding capitalization (e.g., starting sentences with lowercase letters) and punctuation. There are also subject-verb agreement issues, such as 'steam enters the condenser and cool down' (should be 'cools down'). These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable but do not significantly impede communication. To reach a higher band, focus on consistent capitalization, correct verb tense usage, and ensuring that complex sentences are punctuated accurately.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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