Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-14
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 provided diagram illustrates the information about production of electricity from geothermal energy.
Overall, It contain 5 major steps, initially the cold water is collected and pumped down in geothermal zone which make the water hot. Then the hot water is pumped up and steam is transferred to turbine and then to generator from where the electricity is transported.
In beginning, the cold water is collected and pumped down in the injection well which is 4.5 kilometer deep, it is geothermal zone which consist of hot rocks, in this zone the temperature of water changed and it become hot. Afterwards, the Hot water is pumped up through the production well.
After pumping water up, the state of water is changed from liquid to steam with the help of condenser. Then, the steam is passed through turbine, the turbine rotates and electricity is produced in generator and then is transported to public via towers.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy process, identifying the key components like the injection well, production well, turbine, and generator. However, the description of the process is somewhat simplistic and lacks a clear, professional overview. For instance, the mention of the condenser is factually questionable based on the provided diagram, which shows steam driving the turbine directly. To reach a higher band, you should focus on more precise reporting of the visual data and ensure the summary highlights the cyclical nature of the process more effectively. The overview is present but could be more comprehensive in capturing the technical flow.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'initially', 'then', 'afterwards', and 'after pumping water up' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions feel repetitive. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the internal structure of the sentences could be improved to create a smoother progression of information. Referencing is generally clear, but the overall cohesion would benefit from a wider variety of linking words and better integration of the process stages.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the process clearly. You use technical terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', and 'turbine' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'transported to public' instead of 'distributed to the grid' or 'households'. There is also a lack of more sophisticated vocabulary that would demonstrate a higher level of control. To improve, try to incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to energy production and industrial processes.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'It contain 5 major steps' (subject-verb agreement), 'in this zone the temperature of water changed' (tense inconsistency), and 'is transported to public' (missing article). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma splices and capitalization errors (e.g., 'Hot water'). These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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