Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-13
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 5.5)
The diagram illustrates the production of electricity by using geothermal energy.
Electricity generation is comprised of five steps initiating from pumping down cold water and ending at electricity production.
Firstly, cold water is pumped down at the height of 4.5 km.After that pumped water is forced through the injection well which then passed through the geothermal zone called hot rocks.
After passing through hot rocks, it became hot and forced through the production well to accumulate into the condenser unit.Then, steam is evaporated from the top of the condenser and the steam energy is used to run the turbine.
Finally, the shaft of the turbine run the generator and electricity is generated which is supplied to the Electricity towers to be used.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main stages of the geothermal process, the description is quite brief and lacks the necessary detail to fully develop the response. You have successfully outlined the sequence from pumping water to electricity generation, but you have not provided a clear overview or summary of the process as a whole. To improve, ensure you expand on the descriptions of each stage and provide a more comprehensive summary of the entire cycle to meet the length requirement and demonstrate a fuller understanding of the diagram.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized in a logical, chronological order, which helps the reader follow the process. You have used some cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'After that', and 'Finally' to link the stages. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire response is presented as a single block of text. For a Task 1 response, it is essential to use clear paragraph breaks to separate the introduction/overview from the body paragraphs. Additionally, some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Improving the variety of linking words and structuring the response into distinct paragraphs would significantly enhance the flow and coherence of your writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for describing a technical process, with terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', and 'condenser unit' used correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are some awkward collocations, such as 'initiating from pumping down' and 'steam is evaporated'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary and vary your verbs to avoid repetition. For instance, instead of 'run the generator', you could use 'power the generator' or 'drive the generator'. Expanding your range of descriptive language will help you convey the process more fluently.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that affect the accuracy of your writing, such as 'the shaft of the turbine run the generator' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'which then passed through' (tense inconsistency). Additionally, there are punctuation issues, such as missing spaces after periods (e.g., '4.5 km.After'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent verb tenses when describing a process, and careful proofreading of your punctuation and spacing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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