Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram shows how electricity is generated by means of geothermal source of energy in a geothermal power station.

Overall, the process consists of five stages and involves pumping cold water from large depths and producing electricity by a generator. In the first two stages of the process, water is located underground but after that, steam is directed to the turbine above the surface of the earth.

To begin with, there is a man-made well, into which cold water is injected at a depth of 4.5 km. At this depth, rocks are heated and, as a result, injected water is heated as well. Further, produced hot water is pumped out of the ground through another well called the production well. The next stage occurs at the surface of the earth, where the condenser changes hot water into steam.

After that, steam is directed to a turbine that is connected to a generator, which is located nearby. Electricity is produced by the generator and is transported through the power lines for further utilization. To summarize, geothermal heat energy is used for converting cold water into hot steam, which then turns a turbine and powers the electricity-producing generator.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.0
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.0
Overall6.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the geothermal energy process. You have clearly outlined the five stages, from the injection of cold water to the final production of electricity. The overview is effective, providing a concise summary of the process. However, there is a slight inaccuracy in the description of the condenser's role; in geothermal systems, the condenser typically cools steam back into water, whereas your text suggests it changes hot water into steam. Despite this minor technical misinterpretation, you have addressed all parts of the task and provided a clear, logical summary of the diagram's information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the introduction, the overview, and the detailed process steps. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with,' 'Further,' 'The next stage,' and 'After that' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the sequence of events. The flow of information is smooth, and the referencing between the different stages of the process is clear. The structure is coherent throughout, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'geothermal power station,' 'injected,' 'production well,' and 'utilization.' The language is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it lacks some of the more sophisticated, less common collocations that would push the score into the higher bands. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication, and the terminology used is consistent with the subject matter.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'Electricity is produced by the generator and is transported through the power lines for further utilization.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The sentences are well-constructed, and the meaning is always clear. While the range of complex structures is somewhat limited, the accuracy is high, and the writing is error-free for the most part.

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