Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

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

Overall, geothermal energy from hot rocks underneath the ground is processed using condenser, turbine and generator to produce electricity.

This method starts by pumping down cold water from the ground 4.5 km deep in the injection well, where this water penetrates through the hot rocks in the geothermal zone to the production well.While travelling to the production well, water reaches high temperature.Then, this hot water is pumped up to the condenser.

In the condenser, hot water turns into steam. This steam power ups the turbine, further which then activates the generator . The generator produces electricity, which reaches electric poles.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While the report covers the main stages of the geothermal process, the under-length nature of the response means that the description is underdeveloped. The overview is present but lacks detail, and the comparison of stages is minimal. To improve, you must expand on the description of each stage, perhaps by adding more detail about the physical transformation of the water and steam, and ensuring the summary is comprehensive enough to meet the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, moving sequentially through the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used, though the structure is quite brief. Cohesive devices such as 'This method starts by', 'While travelling', and 'Then' are used to guide the reader through the process. However, the flow is somewhat mechanical, and the limited length prevents the development of more sophisticated transitions. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of cohesive devices and ensuring that each paragraph is fully developed with supporting details to create a more cohesive and professional flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using technical terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', and 'production well' correctly. However, the range is limited, and there are some awkward phrasings such as 'power ups the turbine' and 'further which then activates'. These minor inaccuracies in collocation and word choice prevent the response from reaching a higher band. To improve, aim to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary and ensure that collocations are natural and accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'processed using condenser, turbine and generator' (missing articles) and 'further which then activates' (awkward syntax). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas and periods. To improve, focus on mastering the use of articles with technical nouns and refining your sentence structure to avoid awkward phrasing. Ensure that you proofread for basic punctuation and grammatical errors before finalizing your work.

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

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