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)
The diagram illustrates the production of electricity through geothermal energy.
From an overall perspective , it is readily evident that the whole process consists of multiple steps, which takes place in geothermal power plant, which produces electricity by using cold water and spread it to households via electric tower .
Firstly, cold water from different sources is pumped down up to 4.5km into injection well, where the water is boiled by hot rocks known as geothermal zone. Then , the water is moved to the production well and pumped up to the condenser . Now , condenser plays an important role to direct steam towards the turbine , which is rotated by force of the steam. Moving further , generator are powered by turbine and convert thermal energy into electric power. Lastly , the generator is connected with electric tower, which is essential to distribute produced electricity to the distant areas.
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 covers the main features of the geothermal energy process, identifying the key stages from the injection of cold water to the distribution of electricity. The overview is clear and the sequence of events is logical. However, the response could be improved by providing more precise detail regarding the depths mentioned (4.5km) and the specific components involved. While the main features are reported, the description of the 'geothermal zone' and the role of the condenser could be more technically accurate based on the diagram. Overall, the task is addressed adequately, but it lacks the depth of analysis required for a higher band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized, moving through the process chronologically. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Then', 'Moving further', and 'Lastly' helps guide the reader through the stages of the diagram. Paragraphing is used, although the introduction and overview are combined, which is acceptable. There are some minor issues with referencing and flow; for example, the phrase 'which takes place in geothermal power plant' is slightly awkward and lacks an article. Despite these minor mechanical issues, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, using technical terms like 'injection well', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. However, there is a lack of variety and some inaccuracies in word choice. For instance, 'spread it to households' is not the most precise way to describe the distribution of electricity. Additionally, there are some minor errors in article usage and pluralization, such as 'generator are powered' (should be 'generators are' or 'the generator is'). To reach a higher band, you should aim for more precise collocations and a wider range of vocabulary to describe the mechanical processes.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('in geothermal power plant', 'to the condenser') and subject-verb agreement ('generator are powered'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. The use of relative clauses ('which is rotated by force of the steam') shows an attempt at complex structures, but the control over these is inconsistent. Focusing on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy, especially articles and plurals, would significantly improve the quality of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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