Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-30

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 illustration demonstrates how electricity is produced using geothermal energy.

Overall, it is a 5-stage, man-made, linear process. It starts from transforming cold water into steam using geothermal energy, followed by pumping the steam generated by the hot water to energize the turbine and generator, and results in electricity that can be later sent to other places.

First of all, the process begins with collecting cold water. After that, the cold water is pumped down to the injection well, which is later heated using hot rocks generated by geothermal energy. Once the water is heated, it then go through the production well and gets pumped up to a condenser. In the condenser, the steam that is generated from the hot water is used to power the turbine. The turbine is then used to power the generator, which later result in electricity. Finally, the electricity is transfered to customers using a specific tower.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the geothermal energy process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of the diagram logically. However, the description is somewhat basic. To reach a higher band, you should aim to integrate the stages more fluidly and provide more precise detail regarding the physical components (e.g., mentioning the depth of the wells or the specific role of the cooling tower). While you have covered the process, the analysis lacks the 'comparative' element often required in Task 1, such as noting the cyclical nature of the water flow. Overall, the response is accurate and addresses the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, moving from an overview to a step-by-step description of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed body. You use cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'After that', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages. While these are functional, they are somewhat mechanical. To improve, try to vary your transitions and use more sophisticated referencing to link the stages of the process, rather than relying on a simple chronological list. The progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'turbine' correctly. This shows you can handle technical subject matter. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the use of 'pumped' and 'generated'. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise synonyms or collocations, such as 'circulated', 'harnessed', or 'converted'. There are no significant spelling errors, and your word choices are generally appropriate for the context of a process description, ensuring that the meaning remains clear to the reader at all times.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the grammar is generally accurate, there are a few minor errors, such as 'it then go through' (should be 'goes') and 'result in electricity' (should be 'results'). Additionally, 'transfered' is misspelled as 'transfered' (should be 'transferred'). You have a good grasp of passive voice, which is essential for process descriptions (e.g., 'water is heated', 'electricity is transferred'). To improve, focus on ensuring subject-verb agreement and refining your control over complex sentence structures to reduce these minor slips.

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

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