Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-29

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates how geothermal power can be utilized to produce electricity.

Overall, this electricity production using geothermal energy is a linear process that starts with cold water pumped down through a well and ends with a generator producing the electricity, which is then sent to the electricity grid.

First of all, cold water is pumped down 4,5 km underground through the injection well. Then, the water passes through the geothermal zone, which has hot rocks to raise the temperature of the water. Once the water is hot, it is then pumped up through the production well to a condenser.

The last two steps are done above the ground, where the condenser turns the hot water into steam. The steam produced by the condenser is used to spin the turbines. Afterwards, the spinning turbines power the generator used to produce electricity. Finally, the electricity is transferred into the electricity grid through the power lines.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the geothermal energy production process. You have clearly outlined the linear progression from the injection of cold water to the final distribution of electricity. The overview is concise and effectively summarizes the process. However, to reach a higher band, you could provide more detail regarding the specific components or the cyclical nature of the process if implied by the diagram. The description is accurate and covers all stages shown, meeting the requirements for a clear and logical summary of the provided visual information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the stages of the process, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. Cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'Then', 'Once', and 'Afterwards' are used appropriately to link the steps. The flow of information is smooth, and each paragraph has a clear focus. The referencing is consistent, and the overall structure is coherent, making the information easy to follow throughout the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the technical process, such as 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'turbines'. The terminology is accurate and appropriate for the context. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it lacks a wider range of less common lexical items that would demonstrate more sophisticated control. However, the word choice is consistently accurate, and there are no errors that impede communication. The language used is well-suited to the task of describing a technical diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'The steam produced by the condenser is used to spin the turbines.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The sentence structures are varied enough to maintain interest and clarity. While the range of complex structures is somewhat limited, the accuracy is high, and the writing is error-free for the most part, which is consistent with a solid performance in this criterion.

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

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