Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates how electricity is generated in a geothermal power plant.

Overall, the process involves five main stages, beginning with cold water being pumped underground and ending with electricity being produced by a generator. The water is heated naturally by hot rocks before being converted into steam.

First, cold water is pumped down through an injection well to a depth of approximately 4.5 kilometres. It then passes through the geothermal zone, where it is heated by the surrounding hot rocks. The heated water is subsequently pumped back to the surface through a production well.

Next, the hot water enters a condenser, where it is converted into steam. The steam then flows towards a turbine, causing its blades to rotate. Finally, the turbine powers a generator, which produces electricity. The electricity is then transmitted to the power grid similarly it is connected with houses and all the needy areas through towers and wires.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively covers the main features of the geothermal energy production process. You have clearly identified the key stages, from the injection of cold water to the final distribution of electricity. The overview is concise and provides a good summary of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that all minor details are fully integrated; for instance, the diagram shows the cooling tower and the return of water to the injection well, which could have been explicitly mentioned to provide a more comprehensive account of the cycle. However, the main features are well-selected and reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a body paragraph for the initial stages, and a final paragraph for the conversion and distribution phases. The use of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', 'subsequently', and 'Finally' helps guide the reader through the process effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the cycle. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical process description, such as 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', and 'transmitted'. The terminology is accurate and fits the context well. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors. To improve further, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or precise verbs to describe the movement of steam and water, which would demonstrate a wider and more flexible lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as passive voice constructions ('water is heated', 'is converted into steam'), which are essential for describing processes. The sentence 'The electricity is then transmitted to the power grid similarly it is connected with houses...' is slightly awkward; a better structure would be 'The electricity is then transmitted to the power grid, from where it is distributed to houses and other areas.' Overall, the majority of sentences are error-free and communication is clear.

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

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