Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
In the given illustration the generation of geothermal energy is shown firstly, cold water is passed to the pipline, this pipeline is called The Injection Wall which is usually 4.5 km long made below the ground where it collides with hot rocks. As the temperature of water rises the water is then pumped up to the condenser through The Production Wall. The stream then allowed to pass through the turbine through a narrow lane the turbine regulates the stream and the generator being fueled by this steam generates electricity. This electricity is used to power electrical panels which are responsible for the working of lightings, fans , Air conditioning etc. we use in our daily lives.
This eco friendly way of generating electricity can be a really smart move in a long run. Indeed it is time consuming and generation of electricity only this way may not be sufficient for the requirements of the world.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy process, but it fails to maintain an objective, academic tone. The final paragraph introduces personal opinions ('can be a really smart move', 'it is time consuming'), which is inappropriate for an Academic Task 1 report. The task requires a neutral summary of the provided information, not an evaluation of the technology's merits. While the key features of the diagram are identified, the inclusion of subjective commentary and the lack of a clear overview sentence summarizing the entire process limit the effectiveness of the response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into two paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by run-on sentences and a lack of effective cohesive devices. For instance, the first paragraph is a single long sentence with comma splices, such as '...passed to the pipline, this pipeline is called...'. The transition between the technical description and the personal opinion in the second paragraph is abrupt. While there is a basic attempt to sequence the steps, the lack of varied linking words and the structural issues make the progression feel mechanical and disjointed at times.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate to describe the process, but there are inaccuracies in terminology and word choice. Terms like 'narrow lane' to describe a turbine intake are imprecise, and 'lightings' is a non-standard pluralization. The range is limited, relying on basic descriptors. There are also spelling errors such as 'pipline'. To reach a higher band, you should focus on using more precise technical vocabulary related to energy production and ensure that word forms are used correctly in context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures and contains frequent punctuation errors, particularly comma splices. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'The stream then allowed to pass' (missing auxiliary verb 'is') and 'generator being fueled by this steam generates' (clunky phrasing). The lack of complex sentence structures and the persistent errors in basic sentence construction significantly impact the clarity of the report. Improving control over verb tenses and sentence boundaries is essential for achieving a higher score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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