Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The pictorial representation reveals the various steps that are involved to generate electric power by using geothermal energy.
In an overview, it is apparently seen that the process of electricity production is a step-by-step complex process, starting from dumping down of cold water and ending with manufacturing of power. Whole process consist total 5 major stages.
Initially, cold water is dumped down below the earth surface at distance of 4.5 km. After that, water is injected in geothermal zone through injection well, where water passed through hot rocks. Afterwards, hot water goes in production well for next process.
Probing further, once hot water goes in production well then hot water is pumped up in condenser. Later, steam is passed through an opening at top corner of condenser for final stage. Eventually, turbine is rotated by steam to rotate axle of generator which produced electric power to supply further to electrical towers.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| 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 process, from the injection of water to the production of electricity. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear synthesis of the process. While the key stages are identified, the explanation of the 'geothermal zone' and the transition between the condenser and the turbine could be more precise. The overview provided is functional but could be more analytical by highlighting the cyclical nature of the process or the specific role of the heat source. Overall, it addresses the requirements of the task adequately, though it lacks the depth of detail required for a higher band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', 'Afterwards', and 'Eventually' are used to sequence the steps. However, the use of these devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved to create a more natural progression. For instance, the transition between the injection well and the production well is a bit abrupt. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and the body of the process description.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is sufficient to describe the process, using terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'turbine'. However, there is a lack of variety and some awkward phrasing, such as 'dumping down of cold water' and 'manufacturing of power'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on basic verbs. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise technical collocations and avoid repetitive phrasing. The errors in word choice do not impede communication, but they do limit the sophistication of the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'Whole process consist total 5 major stages' (missing articles and verb agreement) and 'water passed through hot rocks' (tense inconsistency). Additionally, 'at distance of 4.5 km' lacks the necessary article. While the meaning is generally clear, these frequent minor errors in articles, prepositions, and verb tenses prevent the response from reaching a higher band. The student should focus on proofreading for basic subject-verb agreement and article usage to improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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