Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The chart illustrates the process by which geothermal energy is used to generate electricity in a geothermal power plant.

Overall, the process consists of five main stages, beginning with cold water being pumped underground and ending with electricity being produced by a generator. The water is heated naturally by hot rocks deep down in the ground before being converted into steam, which drives a turbine.

Initially, cold water is pumped down to a depth of approximately 4.5 kilometres through an injection well. It then enters the geothermal zone, where hot rocks heat the water as it passes through the underground areas. The resulting hot water is subsequently pumped back to the surface through a separate production well.

Once above ground, the hot water is transferred to a condenser, where it is converted into steam. The steam is then directed towards a turbine, causing its blades to rotate. The rotating turbine powers a generator, which produces electricity. Finally, the electricity generated is transmitted through power lines for use.

Thus, geothermal heat is transformed into electrical energy through the sequential processes of heating water, producing steam, rotating a turbine and generating electricity.

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 injection well, the geothermal zone, the production well, and the final conversion to electricity. The overview provides a clear summary of the five-stage process, which is essential for a high band score. The information is accurate and logically presented, ensuring the reader can easily follow the sequence of events. There are no omissions of key information from the diagram, and the comparison of the process stages is well-handled throughout the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a specific phase of the process, which helps the reader navigate the information easily. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'It then', 'Once above ground', and 'Finally', to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the report. The transition between the underground process and the surface process is handled smoothly, making the entire text easy to follow and coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical description, such as 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'transmitted'. The word choices are precise and contribute to the professional tone of the report. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey the information clearly and accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as the passive voice in 'water is heated naturally' and 'electricity is transmitted'. The sentences are generally error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. There is a good variety of verb tenses and structures that maintain the flow of the description. The accuracy is consistent, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

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

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