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)
The diagram demonstrates the production of electricity from the geothermal power plant.
The cold water is the first initiator of the process of electricity formation from the geothermal energy. The cold water is pushed downward up to 4.5km into the injection well. From this well the water is released into the geothermal zone which is located beneath the earth. The geothermal zone makes the water hot. After this, the hot water is carried into the production well. From this point the hot water is pulled away from the production well into the condenser.
Above the earth, the steam from the condenser is then used for the further process of electricity formation. The last chamber which has generator and turbine is involved in the generation of electricity as the material necessary for the electricity production is powered by turbine at the end stage of the process.
The two wells are used during this process which work opposite to each other. As the one well carries the water inside of the earth, the second well in contrast to the first one brings the hot water upward.
Consequently, useful amount of energy can be easily obtained from this process which is then transported to the tower.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| 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 stages of the geothermal energy production process, from the injection of cold water to the generation of electricity. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview or summary of the process as a whole. While the key features are identified, the explanation of the 'condenser' and the transition to the 'generator and turbine' is slightly vague. To reach a higher band, you should provide a more cohesive summary in the introduction or conclusion that highlights the cyclical nature of the process and the primary function of the components.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'After this', 'From this point', 'The last chamber'). The transition between paragraphs could be smoother to better reflect the flow of the process. While the information is generally easy to follow, the referencing is occasionally clunky, such as the phrase 'the material necessary for the electricity production', which is imprecise and disrupts the flow of the explanation.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on general terms like 'material', 'further process', and 'useful amount of energy'. Using more technical and precise terminology related to geothermal energy—such as 'geothermal reservoir', 'thermal energy', 'pressurized', or 'harnessing'—would demonstrate a wider range. There are no significant spelling errors, but the word choices are often simplistic, which limits the ability to convey the technical nature of the diagram effectively.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the grammar is generally understandable, there are several awkward phrasings and minor errors, such as 'The cold water is the first initiator of the process' (which is slightly unnatural) and 'the last chamber which has generator and turbine' (missing articles). The sentence 'the material necessary for the electricity production is powered by turbine' is also grammatically confusing. To improve, focus on using more varied complex structures and ensuring articles and prepositions are used accurately.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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