Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-25

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 how geothermal energy is used to generate electricity in a geothermal power plant.

Overall the process consists of five main stages, beginning with cold water being pumped underground and ending with electricity being produced by a generator. the water is heated naturally by hot rocks before being converted into steam.

initially, cold water is pumped down to a depth of approximately 4.5 kilometres through an injection well. it then passes through the geothermal zone, where hot rocks heat the water. the resulting hot water is subsequently pumped back to the surface through a production well.

Once above ground, the hot water enters a condenser, where it is converted into steam. The steam is then directed towards a turbine, causing it to rotate. finally, the rotating turbine powers a generator, which produces electricity. thus, geothermal heat is effectively transformed into electrical energy through a continuous cycle of pumping. heating , steaming and generation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the geothermal energy production process, from the initial injection of cold water to the final generation of electricity. The overview is clear and identifies the main features of the cycle. The information is accurately reported, and the sequence of events is logical. The response effectively highlights the key components, such as the injection and production wells, the condenser, and the turbine. To reach a higher band, ensure that all technical details are fully integrated into the narrative flow without relying on a list-like structure at the end.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'initially,' 'subsequently,' 'once,' and 'thus' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is appropriate, separating the overview from the detailed process. However, there are minor issues with punctuation and capitalization, such as the lowercase 'the' at the start of sentences and the awkward punctuation in the final list ('heating , steaming and generation'), which slightly detracts from the overall flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is generally appropriate for a technical process description. Terms like 'geothermal zone,' 'injection well,' 'production well,' and 'condenser' are used correctly. The range is sufficient to describe the process with precision. However, there are some minor errors in word choice and form, such as 'steaming' in the final sentence, which is not the most natural term for this context (perhaps 'steam production' would be better). The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but more sophisticated collocations could elevate the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The steam is then directed towards a turbine, causing it to rotate.' While the grammar is generally accurate, there are several mechanical errors, specifically the failure to capitalize the first letter of sentences ('the water is...', 'initially, cold water...', 'it then passes...'). These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable. While they do not impede communication, they demonstrate a lack of attention to detail that prevents a higher score in this criterion.

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

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