Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-18

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 how electricity is generated using geothermal energy through a five stage process.

Overall, cold water is pumped deep underground, where it is heated by geothermal rocks before being returned to the surface as steam. This steam then drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity.

Initially, cold water is stored above ground and pumped approximately 4.5 kilometres below the surface through an injection well. At this depth, the water passes through a geothermal zone containing hot rocks, which raise its temperature. The resulting hot water is then forced upwards through a production well.

Once it reaches the surface, the hot water enters a condenser, where it is converted into steam. The steam is directed to rotate. Finally, the rotating turbine powers a generator, which produces electricity that is transmitted to the electricity grid. Thus, the system converts underground heat into electrical energy. All the process is happening in proper way.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the geothermal energy process. You have clearly outlined the five-stage cycle, from the initial pumping of cold water to the final generation of electricity. The overview provided in the second paragraph effectively summarises the core mechanism. To reach a higher band, ensure that all technical details are fully explained; for instance, the phrase 'The steam is directed to rotate' is incomplete and lacks clarity regarding what is being rotated, which slightly hinders the full development of that specific step. Overall, the response is accurate and covers the requirements of the prompt well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas follows the chronological order of the diagram, which makes the information easy to follow. You have used cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Once', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed steps. To improve, ensure that every sentence is complete and logically connected to the previous one; the final sentence, 'All the process is happening in proper way', feels somewhat disconnected and informal compared to the rest of the academic tone.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'transmitted'. This demonstrates an ability to use topic-specific terminology accurately. However, there are some minor issues with word choice and phrasing, such as 'All the process is happening in proper way', which is not idiomatic for an academic report. Expanding your range of linking phrases and ensuring more precise collocations would help elevate the lexical score. The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task and allows for clear communication of the technical process.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response shows a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have successfully used passive voice constructions, which are essential for describing processes (e.g., 'water is pumped', 'is converted into steam'). There are some grammatical slips, such as the incomplete sentence 'The steam is directed to rotate' and the awkward phrasing in the final sentence. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching the higher bands where a majority of sentences must be error-free. Focusing on sentence completion and subject-verb agreement will 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.