Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The image illustrates how geothermal energy is applied in the production of electricity.

Overall, it is clear from the chart that five stages of production is involved in generation of electricity.

The first step involves the introduction of cold water into the injection well underground at about 4.5km deep. At such depth the rocks in that zone are very hot. The water is passed through the geothermal zone that contains hot rocks, at that point the temperature of the water has increased and then kept at the production well to be pumped up to a condenser.

The condenser now converts the hot water to steam and passed through an opening that leads to the turbine that is being powered by the steam. The turbine in turn power a generator in the same enclosure to produce electricity which can now be distributed through a connection that runs via a high tension pole.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy production process, from the injection of cold water to the distribution of electricity. However, the description is somewhat superficial. For instance, the transition from the condenser to the turbine is described as 'passed through an opening', which misses the technical detail of the steam pressure driving the turbine. While the main features are identified, the response lacks a more analytical comparison or a deeper explanation of the cycle. The overview is present but could be more descriptive regarding the cyclical nature of the process. Overall, it addresses the requirements but lacks the depth expected for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, following the sequence of the diagram. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction, the overview, and the process steps. Cohesive devices such as 'The first step', 'At such depth', and 'The turbine in turn' help guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the connection between the final distribution stage and the rest of the process could be smoother. The progression of ideas is clear, but the overall flow could be improved with more varied cohesive links.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using terms like 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', and 'turbine'. However, there is a lack of more sophisticated or precise terminology that would elevate the response. Some phrasing is repetitive or slightly awkward, such as 'kept at the production well' and 'in the same enclosure'. To reach a higher band, the student should aim for more precise collocations and a wider range of technical vocabulary related to energy production processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'five stages of production is involved' (subject-verb agreement), 'At such depth' (missing article 'a'), and 'the turbine that is being powered' (slightly wordy). Additionally, 'the turbine in turn power a generator' should be 'powers'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. The student demonstrates a basic control of grammar but needs to improve accuracy in subject-verb agreement and article usage.

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

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