Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the production of geothermal energy, which is used to generate electricity.

Overall, the process involves five stages, beginning with cold water being pumped underground and ending with the production of electricity. The water is heated by hot rocks and converted into steam, which powers a turbine connected to a generator.

Initially, the process begins with cold water being pumped down underground, where it stretches up to 4.5km approximately. After that, the cold water enters the injection well, and it passes through hot rocks in the geothermal zone. Next, the water from the geothermal zone enters the production well.

In the subsequent stage, the hot water is pumped up in the production well. Then, the hot water passes through a condenser. Thereafter, the hot water is converted into steam and enters the turbine. In the next stage, the turbine is powered by steam, which causes it to rotate. Then, the rotating turbine powers the generator, where electricity is generated. Finally, the electricity is produced and supplied to a nearby power station.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the geothermal energy process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of stages logically. However, the description of the process is somewhat mechanical, relying heavily on a step-by-step listing of actions rather than synthesizing the information. For instance, the transition between the production well and the condenser could be more clearly explained in terms of the physical state changes. While all parts of the diagram are addressed, the report lacks a slightly more analytical tone that would elevate it to a higher band. Nevertheless, the key stages—pumping, heating, steam conversion, and electricity generation—are all accurately represented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', 'In the subsequent stage', and 'Thereafter' to guide the reader through the process. The paragraphing is appropriate, separating the general summary from the detailed procedural steps. While the use of transition words is sometimes a bit repetitive (e.g., starting several sentences with 'Then'), the overall progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow. The referencing is consistent, ensuring that the reader understands the flow of water and steam throughout the system.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms such as 'injection well', 'production well', 'condenser', and 'turbine' correctly. The language is generally precise and appropriate for a process description. However, there is a lack of more sophisticated or varied vocabulary that would demonstrate a wider range. For example, instead of repeating 'the water' or 'the hot water' frequently, you could use synonyms or refer to the substance as 'the fluid' or 'the geothermal resource'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it does not show the flexibility required for a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use passive voice appropriately for a process description, such as 'is pumped underground' and 'is converted into steam', which is essential for this task type. There are very few grammatical errors, and the punctuation is generally accurate. While the sentence structures are functional, they are somewhat repetitive in their construction. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more varied complex sentences, such as using participle clauses (e.g., 'Having been heated by hot rocks, the water is converted into steam'). Overall, the grammar is accurate and does not impede communication.

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

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