Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-12

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates how geothermal is used to generate electricity.

Overall, the process consists of five main stages, beginning with stored cold water being pumped down to a depth of 4.5 km and ending with steam powering a turbine, which activates a generator to produce electricity.

Initially, stored cold water is pumped down to a depth of 4.5 km, reaching the injection well. Following this, the water enters the geothermal zone, where it is heated by hot rocks before flowing towards the production well.

In the subsequent stages, the hot water is pumped upwards through the production well towards the condenser, where it is converted into steam. Once the water has been transformed into steam, the resulting steam is then transferred through a pipe towards the turbine. As the steam reaches the turbine, it causes the turbine to rotate, which in turn activates the generator. The generator then converts the energy produced by the rotating turbine into electricity. Finally, the electricity generated is transmitted through the power lines and supplied for use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the geothermal energy production process. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the depth of 4.5 km, the injection and production wells, and the conversion of water to steam. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the cyclical nature of the process if it is implied by the diagram, and perhaps highlight the contrast between the cold water injection and the hot steam production more sharply. Overall, the information is accurate and well-selected.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The report is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and a chronological description of the process. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'Following this', 'In the subsequent stages', and 'Once the water has been transformed'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed steps. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage, making the flow of information very natural.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms like 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', 'activate', and 'transmitted' are used correctly and in the right context. While the vocabulary is precise, it is mostly functional rather than sophisticated. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more varied collocations or slightly more academic terminology to describe the energy conversion process. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use passive voice appropriately for a process description, such as 'water is pumped' and 'electricity is transmitted', which is essential for this task type. The grammar is highly accurate, with very few, if any, errors. Complex sentences are handled well, and punctuation is used correctly to support the flow of information. The control over grammatical structures is strong, and the majority of sentences are error-free, which is consistent with a high band score.

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

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