Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates how geothermal energy is harnessed to generate electricity in a geothermal power plant.

Overall, the process mainly consists of five stages, beginning with cold water being pumped approximately 4.5 kilometres underground and ending with electricity being generated by a turbine-powered generator. Water is heated by hot rocks before coming to the surface as steam.

Initially, cold water is stored above ground and then pumped down through an injection well to a depth of 4.5 kilometres. At this depth, geothermal zone starts where hot rocks are present. Here water is heated by the rocks. The resulting hot water is subsequently pumped back to the surface through a separate production well.

This hot water then enters a condenser, where it is condensed into the steam. The steam is then directed towards a turbine, which rotates its blades, causing a generator to generate electricity due to rotation. Finally, electricity generated is transmitted through a

power grid for use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively summarizes the geothermal energy production process. You have identified the main stages, from the injection of cold water to the final distribution of electricity. The overview provides a clear summary of the process, and the body paragraphs follow a logical sequence. To reach a higher band, ensure that all technical details are accurately reflected; for instance, the diagram shows the condenser receiving steam, whereas your text states the water is condensed into steam within the condenser, which is a slight misinterpretation of the mechanical process. Overall, the key features are well-covered.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, overview, and logical progression of steps. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the initial stages from the final electricity generation phase. You use cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'subsequently', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the stages is easy to follow. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices slightly more to avoid a repetitive structure, but the current usage is sufficient for a high band.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical description, using terms like 'harnessed', 'injection well', 'production well', and 'transmitted'. There are no significant spelling errors, and the word choice is generally precise. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common technical vocabulary to describe the energy conversion process, such as 'thermal energy', 'kinetic energy', or 'pressurized steam'. The current vocabulary is adequate and accurate for the task requirements.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the control of tense and voice is consistent. There are minor issues, such as 'geothermal zone starts' (missing an article: 'the geothermal zone') and 'causing a generator to generate electricity' (slightly redundant phrasing). However, these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. The use of passive voice is appropriate for a process description, showing a good grasp of the required register.

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

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