Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-31

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 diagram illustrates the various stage involved in the growth of heat generation through the use of geothermal power plant.

Overall, it is a process that consists of five main stage beginning with the pumping of cold water from the surface of the earth and ending with the electricity generated by the generator being transferred to the power grid for consumption.

To begin with the process starts at stage 1, where cold water is pumped from the surface of the earth down into a 4.5 4.5-kilometre-deep injection well. Following this, it is transferred to the geothermal zone, a soil composed of hot rocks, before reaching the production well, which is a vertical pipe similar to the injection well but a bit wider.

The process continues with the hot water is pumped up through the production well into a condenser on the surface, where it is converted into steam, following which it is used to power a turbine and rotate it. This turbine is connected to an electricity generator which, when rotated by the turbine, produces electricity. Finally, when the electricity generated by the generator is transferred to the power grid for consumption by end users.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the geothermal energy production process. You have clearly outlined the five stages, from the injection of cold water to the distribution of electricity. The overview is effective in summarizing the process flow. However, there are minor inaccuracies in the description of the process; for instance, you mention the water is converted to steam in a condenser, whereas the diagram implies the heat from the rocks creates the steam. Additionally, the final sentence is a sentence fragment ('Finally, when the electricity...'). To reach a higher band, ensure that the technical details are accurately reflected from the diagram and that all sentences are grammatically complete.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. You have used cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Following this', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed process description. The progression of ideas is clear, though the final sentence lacks a main clause, which slightly disrupts the flow of the conclusion. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'injection well', 'production well', 'geothermal zone', and 'power grid'. There are some minor errors in word choice, such as 'growth of heat generation' (which is slightly unnatural) and 'various stage' (should be plural 'stages'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more precise verbs or technical collocations would enhance the quality. For example, instead of 'power a turbine', you could use 'drive a turbine'. The range is sufficient to convey the information clearly despite these minor slips.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the various stage' (noun-number agreement), 'the process continues with the hot water is pumped' (incorrect verb form/clause structure), and the final sentence is a fragment. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensuring that every sentence contains a clear subject and a finite verb. Proofreading for small errors like '4.5 4.5-kilometre' would also help improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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