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 the usage of geothermal energy to produce electricity.
During the first step, cold water is pumped down to the geothermal zone then from the geothermal zone the water is transported to the production well then, the hot water is pumped up to the condenser, then the steam which is produced by the condenser is tranfered to the turbine then the electrical energy is transfered to the generator then at last the whole electricity is tranferred to the geothermal power plant.
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, as it is only 85 words long. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While the student identifies the basic stages of the geothermal process, the description is overly simplistic and lacks the necessary detail, comparison, and analysis required for an Academic Task 1 response. The summary does not highlight key features effectively, and the brevity prevents the development of a coherent overview. To improve, the student must expand on the technical stages, describe the equipment involved, and ensure the response meets the minimum length requirement to allow for a full demonstration of their ability to report on visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is written as a single, long, run-on sentence connected by repetitive use of the word 'then'. This creates a mechanical and monotonous flow, lacking logical paragraphing or sophisticated cohesive devices. There is no clear progression of ideas beyond a simple chronological list. To achieve a higher band, the student should use a variety of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'once the water has been heated') and organize the information into distinct paragraphs, such as an introduction, a body paragraph for the process, and a concluding overview.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is very limited and repetitive. The student relies heavily on basic verbs like 'pumped', 'transported', and 'transferred'. There is no attempt to use technical or precise terminology related to geothermal energy production, such as 'injection well', 'heat exchanger', or 'pressurized steam'. Furthermore, there are spelling errors such as 'tranfered' and 'tranferred'. To improve, the student should focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary and ensuring accurate spelling of common verbs. Expanding the range of descriptive language will help convey the process more accurately and professionally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The grammatical structure is extremely limited, consisting almost entirely of a single, repetitive sentence structure. There is a lack of complex sentence forms, such as relative clauses or passive voice constructions, which are essential for describing technical processes. While the basic meaning is understandable, the constant repetition of 'then' and the lack of varied sentence starters make the writing feel simplistic. Punctuation is also neglected, as the entire response is essentially one long run-on sentence. The student needs to practice using a wider variety of sentence structures and improve their control over punctuation to enhance clarity and flow.
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.