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 used to geothermal energy.

overall, this process consists of five main stages, begging with the extraction of geothermal heat from beneath the earth's surface and ending with the production of electricity. water is heated underground to produce steam, which is then used to drive a turbine connected to a generator.

first, cold water is pumped approximately 4.5 km below the ground through an injection well. the water then passes through a geothermal zone, where it is heated by hot rocks deep beneath the earth's surface. after being heated the hot water rises to the surface through a separate production well.

next, the hot water enters a condenser, where it is transformed into steam. the steam is directed towards a turbine. causing its blades to rotate. finally, the rotating turbine powers a generator, which converts the mechanical energy into electricity. the electricity produced can then be supplied for everyday use. finally, the generator converts the mechanical energy into electric energy. the electricity produced can then be transmitted through power lines and used in homes, schools, hospitals, factories, and other buildings.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the geothermal energy production process. You have clearly outlined the stages from the injection of cold water to the final distribution of electricity. The overview is present and provides a good summary of the process. However, the response contains a factual contradiction: you state that the generator converts mechanical energy into electricity, but then repeat a similar point at the end, which is slightly redundant. Additionally, the introduction is a bit clunky and contains grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the opening statement. Overall, the task is addressed well, but more precise phrasing would improve the quality of the summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized, following the chronological order of the diagram. You use transition signals such as 'first', 'next', and 'finally' to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed process steps. However, the cohesion is occasionally mechanical, and there is some repetition in the final paragraph where you describe the generator's function twice. The referencing is generally clear, but the flow between the final two sentences could be smoother to avoid the repetitive nature of the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', and 'mechanical energy'. However, there are some inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'begging with' (likely a typo for 'beginning') and 'illustrates the how to produce'. The vocabulary is functional but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band. To improve, focus on using more precise collocations and ensuring that technical terms are integrated into grammatically sound sentences. Spelling errors like 'begging' instead of 'beginning' should be avoided.

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 'illustrates the how to produce' and 'used to geothermal energy'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences starting with lowercase letters and others having unnecessary full stops in the middle of a thought. While you attempt to use complex structures, the frequency of minor errors in articles, prepositions, and sentence construction prevents a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and punctuation would significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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