Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

In this task , I am going to demonstrate the procedure of generating electricity from geothermal power plant energy which is very beneficial way of producing electricity by cheap expenses but the machinery which is used in this plant is expensive but it is one time investment .If diagram is visible to us then we can ponder about the procedure of electricity by geothermal plant .

Initially , the cold water is allocated and then it is passed through 4.5 km tunnel and then passed through the injection well that was located before the geothermal zone packed with hot rocks after that production well appears through that hot water pump rises water to condenser at which steam is produced and next to that turbine came out operated by steam that runs the generator and by the running of generator electricity is obtained . The electricity generated by generator is delivered to power stations .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the geothermal process, but the introduction is problematic. It includes personal commentary ('I am going to demonstrate') and irrelevant information about the cost of the machinery, which is not present in the diagram. An IELTS Task 1 response should be objective and focus solely on the provided visual data. While the sequence of the process is described, the lack of an overview and the inclusion of non-data-based opinions prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on summarizing the key stages of the process without adding external information or personal opinions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into two paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by the structure of the sentences. The use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical, relying heavily on 'and then' and 'after that'. The transition between the introduction and the body paragraph is abrupt. Paragraphing is present, but the content within the paragraphs lacks a clear, sophisticated progression. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'consequently') and ensure that each sentence builds logically upon the previous one to create a smoother narrative flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate to describe the process, but it lacks the precision and academic tone required for a Band 6 or higher. Phrases like 'ponder about the procedure' and 'came out operated by' are unnatural in this context. There is some repetition of basic terms like 'electricity' and 'water'. To improve, incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to the diagram, such as 'geothermal reservoir', 'thermal energy', 'pressurized', or 'conversion', and avoid informal phrasing that is unsuitable for an academic report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For example, 'which is very beneficial way of producing electricity by cheap expenses' is awkward and grammatically incorrect. There are also issues with article usage ('the generator', 'the condenser') and sentence boundary errors, such as run-on sentences. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction limits the score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage to enhance accuracy.

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

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