Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-26
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)
This diagram below illustrates the production of electricity through geothermal energy.
Geothermal power plant has been divided into five main stages which starts from cold water being pumped into the injection wall and ends by producing electricity with the help of engine and turbine.
The first step begins with pumping down the cold water through the injection wall which is 4.5 km down the earth surface. This water then passes through the geothermal zone, where the hot rocks are present. The third stage in the process is the production well where the hot water gets pumped up to the ground surface. The Condenser, having the capability to convert hot water into steam is used for the fourth step, after the hot water has been passed. This steam helps to rotate the turbine that is connected to the generator. Generator gets powered up by the turbine and produces electricity. This produced electricity is then transferred to power stations.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response successfully identifies the main stages of the geothermal energy production process. You have clearly outlined the progression from the injection of cold water to the final generation of electricity. However, the report lacks a clear overview or summary paragraph that highlights the key features of the process, such as the cyclical nature of the system. While you have described the steps, the response would benefit from a more analytical approach that synthesizes the information rather than just listing the stages sequentially. The description of the 'injection wall' (likely 'injection well') and the 'condenser' function is generally accurate, but ensure technical terms are used precisely to improve clarity.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically organized, moving through the stages of the process in a chronological manner. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction from the body of the process, which aids readability. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical. Phrases like 'The first step begins with' and 'The third stage in the process is' are functional but repetitive. To reach a higher band, you should aim for a wider variety of linking words and transitions to improve the flow between sentences. Additionally, ensure that referencing is precise; for example, the transition between the condenser and the turbine could be smoother to better reflect the causal relationship.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'geothermal zone', 'turbine', and 'generator'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'injection wall' instead of 'injection well', and 'engine' which is not the most precise term for this context. The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more precise technical collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it does not demonstrate a high level of flexibility or stylistic awareness.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'Geothermal power plant has been divided' (missing an article) and 'which starts from cold water being pumped' (subject-verb agreement issues). There are also minor punctuation and phrasing errors, such as '4.5 km down the earth surface' (should be 'below the earth's surface'). While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing the variety of complex structures and ensuring greater accuracy in articles and prepositions will help improve your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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