Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-10

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 4.0)

The photo describe the how geothermal energy is used to make current. Overall, the method start from cold water and complete after different 5 methods.

Its method totally was a open minded and very simple. Electricity method start from hole of cold water and this hole 4.5 km in earth and cold water pushed down then water passed way in hot rocks after that the hot water pumped up by machines. Then water pushed in condenser for steam water condenser properly steam water in heat. Then water proceed to turbine from condenser to turbine for powered by steam. Then finally water sent to generator for powered by turbine and produces electricity afterwards electricity refer to Geothermal power plant. After that electricity passed to electricity tronsformers and divided in all electricity plants. Its method is very simple but electricity and their method are very dangerouse for human life Its current finished life in just second. So, it very sensetive for human health.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response attempts to describe the geothermal process, but it fails to provide a clear, objective summary. The student includes irrelevant personal opinions, such as claiming the process is 'dangerouse for human life' and 'sensitive for human health,' which are not part of the diagram and are inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. While the main steps are mentioned, the lack of objective reporting and the inclusion of subjective commentary significantly detract from the task requirements. The overview is also weak, as it does not effectively highlight the key stages of the energy production cycle.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.5

The response lacks logical paragraphing, consisting of a single block of text. While there is an attempt to sequence the steps using transition words like 'then' and 'after that,' the flow is repetitive and mechanical. The referencing is often unclear; for example, the phrase 'its method' is used repeatedly without clear antecedents. The lack of proper paragraph structure makes the text difficult to follow, and the transition between the technical description and the personal commentary is abrupt and confusing.

Lexical Resource — Band 4.0

The vocabulary is very limited and often inaccurate. The student uses basic, repetitive words like 'method,' 'water,' and 'electricity' throughout the text. There are significant issues with word choice, such as 'make current' instead of 'generate electricity,' and 'hole' instead of 'well' or 'borehole.' Furthermore, the misuse of terms like 'open minded' to describe a mechanical process indicates a lack of control over even basic descriptive language. The vocabulary is insufficient to convey the technical nature of the diagram accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0

The grammar is highly problematic, with frequent errors that often impede communication. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The photo describe'), missing articles, and incorrect verb forms (e.g., 'water pushed in condenser'). Sentence structures are simple and often fragmented or run-on. Punctuation is largely absent, making it difficult to identify where sentences begin and end. The lack of control over basic grammatical structures, such as passive voice, which is essential for describing a process, prevents the student from achieving a higher band.

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