Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-08

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity using geothermal energy.

Overall, it is clear that there are five consecutive stages involved in producing electrical energy from geothermal energy. Moreover, it is also worth mentioning that the use of turbine and generator is also involved in this process.

Looking at the details, the process begins with storing cold water in a container. Afterwards, the cold water is pumped down approximately 4.5 km to the injection well. Next, the hot rocks present in the geothermal zone heat the cold water and transfers the hot water to the production well. In the ensuing stage, the hot water is pumped upwards and collected in the condenser using a pump. The steam collected in the condenser is used to power the turbine by continuously rotating the turbine. Besides that, the turbine powers the generator which is used to produce electricity. The final stage involves transmitting the electricity generated via transmission lines.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the geothermal energy process. You have clearly outlined the cycle from the initial injection of cold water to the final transmission of electricity. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the key components such as the turbine and generator. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the cyclic nature of the process, as the diagram shows the water returning to the injection well, which is a crucial feature of the system. Overall, the information is accurate and covers all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, moving step-by-step through the process. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Afterwards', 'Next', 'In the ensuing stage', and 'The final stage', which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed description. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different stages is clear. The text is easy to follow, and the progression of ideas is logical throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical process, using terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'transmission lines'. There is a slight repetition of the word 'turbine' and 'water', but this is expected in a technical description. The word choices are generally precise and contribute to a clear explanation of the diagram. To improve, try to incorporate more varied verbs or synonyms for 'pumped' or 'collected' to show greater lexical flexibility, though your current usage is sufficient for a clear and accurate report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The grammar is generally accurate, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use passive voice effectively, which is appropriate for describing a technical process (e.g., 'is used to power', 'is pumped upwards'). There are a few minor slips, such as 'transfers the hot water' (should be 'transfers the hot water' or 'transfers hot water') and 'use of turbine and generator' (should be 'use of a turbine and generator'). However, these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. The sentence construction is solid and demonstrates good control.

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

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