Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-27
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 5.0)
The diagram illustrates how geothermal power plant generating energy to produce electricity.
Overall, the process contain with five main stages, beginning with a cold water pumped down approximately 4.5 km and ending with electricity being produced by a generator. The water is heated by hot rocks before being converted into steam, which drives a turbine.
Initially, cold water is stored above the ground and pumped down around 4.5km deep through injection well. At this depth, the water is passed through geothermal zone, where it comes contact with hot rocks. As a result, cold water is converted to hot water.
in the next stage, the hot water is pumped up through production well. and stored into a condenser. the conde
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the ability to fully address the task. While the introduction and overview attempt to outline the process, the description is incomplete, cutting off abruptly mid-sentence in the final paragraph. Because the response is unfinished, it fails to report on all stages of the diagram, such as the final electricity distribution. To improve, you must ensure you describe the entire process from start to finish and meet the word count requirement to allow for a full development of the main features.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows an attempt at logical sequencing by using an introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph. However, the abrupt ending makes it impossible to evaluate the overall progression of the text. Cohesive devices are used in a basic manner (e.g., 'Initially', 'in the next stage'), but the lack of completion and the fragmented nature of the final sentence hinder the flow of information. To improve, ensure that your paragraphs are fully developed and that you use a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages of the process more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is generally appropriate for describing a technical process, such as 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', and 'turbine'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as 'generating energy to produce electricity' (redundant) and 'process contain with' (incorrect preposition). The range is limited due to the unfinished nature of the response. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise technical collocations and ensure that your sentence structures allow for a more sophisticated range of vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors, including missing articles ('a cold water', 'through injection well'), incorrect verb forms ('process contain'), and punctuation issues (starting sentences with lowercase letters). While there is an attempt at complex structures, the frequent errors and the incomplete nature of the sentences detract from the overall accuracy. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and basic sentence punctuation. Proofreading your work for these fundamental errors is essential.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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