Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-24

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)

The given diagram illustrates the process of producing electricity from the consumption of energy which is derived from geothermal energy.

Overall, whole process of generate electricity followed by a step-by-step

procedure. The process include many different procedures such as cold water pumped down to the geothermal zone, and then this water pumped up and reached to condenser in the form of steam and many other procedures.

Firstly, the process of geothermal power plant starts with the cold water which pumped down to 4.5 km into the injection well. Then, this cold water passes throughout the geothermal zone (hot rocks) where cold water converted into hot water. Furthermore , hot water passes into production well where hot water pumped up, and converted into steam, and reached into condenser.

Moreover, the steam passed in to turbine section and forced turbine to move. Then generator powered by turbine and started to produce electricity. When electricity generated, then it passed to the polls.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy process, from the injection well to the production of electricity. However, the overview is weak; it lacks a clear summary of the overall process flow. The description is somewhat repetitive, and the connection between the stages could be more precise. While the main features are identified, the response lacks a sophisticated comparison or a more detailed synthesis of the technical steps. To improve, ensure the overview highlights the cyclical nature of the process and avoid simply listing steps as if they were a narrative.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Then', 'Furthermore', 'Moreover'). The transition between sentences is often abrupt, and the logical progression could be smoother. For instance, the second paragraph attempts to summarize but ends up repeating information that is later detailed in the body paragraphs. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a distinct focus would enhance the overall flow and coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There is a reliance on basic verbs like 'pumped', 'passes', and 'started'. Some word choices are slightly unnatural, such as 'consumption of energy' or 'reached into condenser'. To achieve a higher score, you should incorporate more technical and precise terminology related to energy production, such as 'harnessing', 'facilitates', 'conversion', or 'transmission'. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it does not demonstrate the flexibility or sophistication expected at higher levels.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, particularly regarding article usage (e.g., 'the process of generate electricity' should be 'generating'), verb forms (e.g., 'cold water which pumped' should be 'which is pumped'), and sentence structure. The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures, and attempts at more complex sentences often contain errors. Punctuation is also inconsistent, such as the unnecessary space before the comma in 'Furthermore ,'. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing technical processes.

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