Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-17

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 given diagram demonstrates how Geothermal powerplant operates to produce electricity. It mainly consists of 5 basic parts which works on different principles for the conversion of geothermal energy into electricity.

First of all, cold water is introduced in the initial part of power plant from where water moved down through the Injection well. Here it covers almost 4.5km distance, now it entered into geothermal zone. This zone has hot rocks which change the temperature of water due to which cold water becomes hot. Further, it flows into the production well which is third zone of powerplant form where hot water is pumped into condenser.

The function of condenser is steam production. Steam will provide thermal power to turbine which in turn run the Generator to produce electricity. In conclusion, Thermal powerplant works on the principle of temperature difference in water as it flows from different zones of powerplant to produce electricity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response provides a clear overview of the geothermal energy process. You have identified the main stages, such as the injection well, the geothermal zone, the production well, and the turbine/generator. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a cohesive summary of the overall process flow. While you mention the '5 basic parts', the explanation of the condenser's role is slightly inaccurate based on the typical diagram (where the condenser usually cools steam back into water). To reach a higher band, ensure you describe the cycle more precisely and highlight the key comparisons or transformations of energy more explicitly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. You use some cohesive devices like 'First of all', 'Further', and 'In conclusion' to signal the progression of the text. However, the transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt, and the use of referencing could be more sophisticated. For example, the connection between the 'production well' and the 'condenser' could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the overall flow would benefit from a more varied range of linking words to connect the stages of the process more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used some relevant technical vocabulary such as 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', and 'turbine'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'powerplant' (usually written as two words: 'power plant') and 'works on different principles' (which is slightly vague). To improve, try to incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to energy production, such as 'harness', 'facilitate', or 'conversion'. The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the flexibility and precision required for a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as '5 basic parts which works' (subject-verb agreement error: 'work'), 'water moved down' (tense inconsistency: should be 'moves'), and 'form where' (spelling error: 'from'). Additionally, there are missing articles throughout the text, such as 'in initial part' (should be 'in the initial part'). While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will greatly improve your accuracy.

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.