Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-15

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 6.0)

The process chart illustrates the procedure of how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity.

Overall, it is evident that, there are 5 stages in the production of electricity from geothermal power plant, cold water is used initially in the first step and ends with the generator turbine.

To begin with, firstly, the cold water is taken and pumped down 4.5 km beneath the ground. Secondly, the injection well pushes the cold water into the hot rocks. Moreover, after going through geothermal zone the water is taken into production well in the stage 3. Furthermore, the hot water is pumped upwards to the surface.

Subsequently, the hot water pumped up and produces steam. This steam powers the turbine, which in turn powers the generator. The leftover steam then goes to the condenser, where it cools back down into cold water Finally, the generator which is powered by the turbine helps to produce electricity and connected to the transmission tower.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the geothermal energy production process. You have successfully identified the key stages, from the initial pumping of cold water to the final electricity generation. However, the description of the process is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the transformation stages. While you mention there are 5 stages, the explanation of the 'geothermal zone' and the conversion of steam could be more integrated to show a better understanding of the cycle. The summary is accurate, but it would benefit from more precise terminology regarding the physical changes occurring at each depth.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow the sequence of the diagram. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Subsequently', and 'Furthermore'. However, some of these transitions feel slightly forced or repetitive. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the flow between the final steps could be smoother. For instance, the transition between the condenser and the generator in the final paragraph is a bit disjointed. Overall, the information is easy to follow, but the use of cohesive devices could be more natural and varied to reach a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'transmission tower'. These are appropriate for the topic. However, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'pumped' and 'taken'. To improve, you should aim for more precise verbs to describe the movement and transformation of the water and steam. There are no significant spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, though it lacks the sophistication and variety required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips. For example, 'there are 5 stages in the production of electricity from geothermal power plant' lacks an article ('a' geothermal power plant). Additionally, the sentence 'Finally, the generator which is powered by the turbine helps to produce electricity and connected to the transmission tower' is missing a verb ('is connected'). Despite these errors, the grammar does not impede communication, and you show a reasonable attempt at using complex structures like relative clauses.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.