Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity using geothermal energy.

Overall, there are five main stages, beginning with cold water being pumped underground and ending with electricity being produced by a generator. The water is heated by hot rocks before being changed into steam.

Initially, cold water is pumped down through an injection well to a depth of 4.5 km. It then flows through pipes into the geothermal zone, where it passes over hot rocks. As a result, the cold water becomes hot water.

Next, the hot water is pumped back to the surface through a production well. It then enters a condenser, where it is converted into steam. The steam is subsequently directed towards a turbine, causing it to rotate.

Finally, the rotating turbine powers a generator, which produces electricity. The electricity is then transmitted through power lines for use. Overall, geothermal heat is converted into electrical energy through these connected stages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the geothermal energy production process. You have identified the main features, such as the injection well, the geothermal zone, the production well, the condenser, and the turbine/generator. The overview is clear and provides a logical summary of the process. To reach a higher band, you could improve the 'comparison' aspect by highlighting specific technical details shown in the diagram, such as the depth of 4.5 km or the specific transition of states (water to steam) more explicitly in relation to the pressure or temperature changes implied by the diagram. Overall, the task is addressed well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear progression from the initial stage to the final output. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the overview, and the sequential steps of the process. You have used cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Next', 'subsequently', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages. The logical flow is consistent, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is logical and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical process description, such as 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', and 'transmitted'. The word choice is accurate and fits the context well. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it remains somewhat functional. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied terminology to describe the mechanical actions, such as 'harnessing geothermal energy' or 'facilitating the rotation of the turbine'. However, the current range is adequate and error-free.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used correctly. You have successfully employed passive voice constructions, which are essential for describing technical processes (e.g., 'water is heated', 'is converted into steam', 'is transmitted'). There are no significant grammatical errors, and the punctuation is handled correctly. The control over complex sentence structures is good, and the writing is fluent and easy to read. The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating a strong command of English grammar.

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

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