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 given diagram illustrates the 5 steps electrical processes to create geothermal energy from cold water.
Cold water is pumped below 4.5 km from the surface, transferring into an injection well.
Following that, the cold water is processed through a geothermal zone made of hot rocks, that heat the water, and pump it back to the surface through a production well.
The hot water is filtered by a condenser transformer, which cause a steam reaction th
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 3.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 3.0
The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the task achievement score. Because the text is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence, it fails to provide a full summary of the process or report the main features effectively. The response only covers the initial stages of the geothermal process and lacks the necessary detail to be considered a complete report. To improve, you must ensure you describe the entire process shown in the diagram and meet the minimum word count to allow for a full development of the information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0
The response shows some attempt at logical sequencing using transition words like 'Following that'. However, because the text is incomplete and ends abruptly, the overall structure is fragmented. There is no clear paragraphing, and the lack of a concluding summary or overview makes the progression of ideas feel unfinished. To improve, ensure that your response is complete and that you use a variety of cohesive devices to link the stages of the process more fluidly, rather than relying on simple chronological markers.
Lexical Resource — Band 4.5
The vocabulary used is generally appropriate for describing a technical process, with terms like 'injection well', 'production well', and 'geothermal zone'. However, the range is quite limited due to the brevity of the text. There are also minor inaccuracies, such as 'electrical processes' instead of 'process of electricity generation'. To improve, aim to use a wider range of precise vocabulary related to energy production and ensure that your word choices are accurate in context. Expanding your vocabulary will help you describe the diagram with more sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5
The response contains basic grammatical structures, but there are noticeable errors. For example, 'which cause a steam reaction' should be 'which causes' to agree with the singular subject. Additionally, the phrase '5 steps electrical processes' is grammatically awkward. The sentence structure is relatively simple, and the abrupt ending prevents the demonstration of more complex grammatical forms. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and try to incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentences to describe the stages of the process more accurately.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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