Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-16
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 below demonstrates the working mechanism of production of geothermal energy and how it is altered to electricity.
First of all, cold water is filled in a tank then through the hole of 4.5km in the ground the water commutes. Furthermore, the water reaches the injection well which goes to Geothermal zone where hot rocks are present . After the geothermal zone, it proceeds to the production well through which the hot water is pumped up above the 4.5km hole. Then after, it is collected in a jar condenser. Through condenser the steam produced by hot water moves to turbine, rotating it. Then, the power produced by turbine is transfer to the generator which alter it into electricity.
Overall, the diagram simplifies the geothermal power plant and the procedure of electricity production through the cold water to steam that moves the turbine and generate electricity. The most vital process is geothermal zone.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy production process, from the injection of cold water to the generation of electricity. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the overall process in the introduction. While the key stages are identified, the response would benefit from a more analytical approach, such as highlighting the cyclical nature of the system or the specific temperatures involved. The conclusion is a bit brief and does not fully synthesize the information provided. To improve, ensure the overview clearly summarizes the main trend or purpose of the diagram rather than just restating the task prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure for a process description. The progression of ideas follows the steps shown in the diagram, using transition words like 'First of all', 'Furthermore', and 'Then after'. However, some of the cohesive devices feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. For instance, the use of 'Then' and 'Then after' at the start of consecutive sentences makes the flow feel a bit disjointed. To reach a higher band, try to vary the way you link steps, perhaps by using participle clauses or more sophisticated referencing to connect the stages of the process more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate to describe the process, with terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'turbine'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'commutes' (which is not appropriate for water flow) and 'jar condenser' (which is likely a misinterpretation of the diagram). The phrase 'altered to electricity' is also slightly unnatural; 'converted into' would be more precise. To improve, focus on using more accurate technical collocations and avoid informal or imprecise phrasing. Expanding your range of verbs to describe movement and transformation would also be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'cold water is filled in a tank' (should be 'is pumped into' or 'is stored in'), 'the water commutes' (incorrect verb usage), and 'power produced by turbine is transfer' (should be 'transferred'). Additionally, there are issues with article usage, such as 'through the hole of 4.5km' and 'to turbine'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to affect the overall clarity. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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