Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-20
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 5.0)
The given process chart shows production of electricity by using geothermal energy.During the first step cold water is pumped down in the injection well from geothermal zone then by the production well hot water is pumped up .
In the next fourth step the steam is transferrerd to the condenser then the energy is transfered to turbine then the generator is formed which is powered by turbine and electricity then at last, the whole electricity is tranferred to the geothermal power plant. this whole process involves 5 steps.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. Because the response is only 88 words, the information is presented in a very truncated manner. While the student identifies the basic steps of the geothermal process, the description lacks the necessary detail and depth required for an Academic Task 1 response. Key features are mentioned, but the explanation of the cycle is superficial and fails to provide a comprehensive summary or meaningful comparisons. To improve, the student must expand on the process, describe the stages more thoroughly, and ensure the response meets the length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is very brief, making it difficult to establish a clear logical progression. While there is a basic attempt to sequence the steps using phrases like 'During the first step' and 'In the next fourth step', the paragraphing is non-existent, and the flow of information is disjointed. The transition between the steps is mechanical and lacks the sophisticated cohesive devices expected at higher bands. The lack of a clear overview or conclusion further hinders the coherence of the report. To improve, the student should organize the information into clear paragraphs and use a wider variety of linking words to connect ideas more naturally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is quite basic and repetitive. Words such as 'pumped', 'transferred', and 'energy' are used repeatedly, which limits the range of expression. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'the generator is formed', which is not an appropriate collocation for describing a mechanical process. The student relies on simple, functional language that does not demonstrate the ability to use less common or precise technical vocabulary related to geothermal energy production. To improve, the student should aim to incorporate more varied and precise terminology, such as 'harnessing', 'extraction', or 'conversion'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. For example, 'the steam is transferrerd to the condenser then the energy is transfered to turbine' lacks necessary articles and contains spelling errors. The sentence structure is largely simple or repetitive, with little evidence of complex sentence forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after periods and commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors and the lack of structural variety prevent a higher score. To improve, the student should focus on sentence variety, correct article usage, and proofreading for spelling and punctuation errors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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