Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The provided pictorial representation demonstrates the method to generate electrical power using geothermal energy.

In overview, it is evident that it is a complex five step process to produce electricity , starting from storing cold water and ending with production of electricity by generator through the use of various machines.

In the initial stage, cold water is stored in a container. In the subsequent stage, the cold water is pumped down to an injection well of 4.5 km length. Once, the process of pumping cold water is finished, cold water is passed through geothermal zone which consists of hot rocks then obtained hot water is sent to the production well. In the next step, hot water from production well is pumped up to the condenser where it is converted to steam. In the last stage, obtained steam is used to run a turbine which powers the generator to produce electricity which is sent to the electrical towers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the geothermal energy process, from the injection of cold water to the final production of electricity. The overview is clear and identifies the main process steps. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more analytical approach to the 'main features' or comparisons. While the process is described accurately, the report could be improved by grouping stages more effectively or highlighting the cyclical nature of the system. The response meets the requirements of the task well, but stays at a descriptive level rather than providing a more sophisticated summary of the energy conversion process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and sequential body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In the initial stage', 'In the subsequent stage', and 'In the next step' provides a clear progression. However, the paragraphing is slightly unbalanced, with a very short overview and a long, dense final paragraph. While the flow is generally smooth, the reliance on simple temporal markers makes the cohesion feel somewhat repetitive and mechanical. Improving the variety of linking phrases would help the text flow more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using technical terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'turbine' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is repetition of basic verbs like 'stored', 'pumped', and 'sent'. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise verbs and collocations related to industrial processes, such as 'circulated', 'harnessed', 'facilitates', or 'converted'. The current vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'production of electricity by generator' (missing an article) and 'Once, the process... is finished' (unnecessary comma). Additionally, the phrasing 'injection well of 4.5 km length' is slightly awkward; 'a 4.5 km deep injection well' would be more natural. While the meaning is never in doubt, the control over complex structures is inconsistent. Increasing the variety of sentence types and ensuring better control over articles and prepositions would improve the score.

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