Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
The diagram illustrates the generation of electricity by means of geothermal energy.
Overall, geothermal electricity is generated through a series of stages in which cold water is injected deep underground, heated by hot rocks, and converted into steam. The steam then drives a turbine connected to a generator, while the condensed water is recycled through the system.
In the initial phase, cold water is injected underground through an injection well, which extends approximately 4.5 km below the ground. Almost 5 km below the ground there is a geothermal zone, which consists of hot rocks. Hot rocks heat the cold water, converting it into hot water. The heated water is then pumped towards the surface, where it is transformed into steam.
After passing through the turbine, the steam enters a condenser, where it is cooled and converted back into water. Steam then drives the turbine, which is connected to a generator to produce electricity. Finally, the electricity is transmitted to consumers through power lines.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The student has effectively covered the task requirements by summarizing the process of generating electricity through geothermal energy. The overall structure is clear, and the main features, including the stages of the process, are described systematically. However, while the response mentions the injection well and geothermal zone, it lacks comparisons that could further enhance the description. The response could further improve by including the benefits or efficiency of this method of electricity generation.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The coherence and cohesion of the response are generally strong, with a clear progression of ideas. The introduction succinctly presents the topic, while the overall structure guides the reader through the steps of the geothermal process. Logical connectors like "Overall," and "In the initial phase," aid clarity. However, transitions could be improved, particularly within the detailed explanation of steps to enhance flow. Consider smoother connections between sentences and sections to improve readability.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The lexical resource is adequate, but there is room for improvement in word choice and variety. Terms like "cold water," "hot rocks," and "steam" are used correctly, but more academic vocabulary could elevate the writing. For example, phrases like "transformed into steam" could be refined to "converted into steam." Moreover, some repetitiveness exists, particularly in mentioning water multiple times—more synonyms could enhance engagement.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The grammatical range and accuracy are solid, with varied sentence structures and proper use of passive voice, such as in "the steam then drives a turbine." Most sentences are well-formed; however, there are minor grammatical issues, such as in the phrase "the steam then drives a turbine connected to a generator," which could be clearer with better punctuation or sentence restructuring. Overall, grammar does not hinder communication but could benefit from minor refinements.
Overall feedback
The response demonstrates a clear understanding of the geothermal energy process and is logically structured. The use of appropriate terminology is commendable for an academic task. To enhance your writing, consider enriching your vocabulary with more sophisticated synonyms and increasing the variety of word choice to avoid repetition. Additionally, incorporate comparisons where relevant to strengthen the explanation of features. Ensure seamless transitions between different phases of the geothermal energy generation process to improve coherence. Overall, you are on the right track, and with slight adjustments, you can enhance your score further.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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