Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The diagram illustrates the multi-step processes of how geothermal power plant produces electricity.

Overall, it is clear that geothermal powerplant produce electricy from cold water which goes through under deep-ground and converts the water into steam.Finally, using a generator it produces electricity.

Looking at the initial phases, at first geothermal power plant pumps down cold water from surface into the injection well which is 4.5 km deep. Subsequently, it goes through hot rocks, called geothermal zone. At the third step, the production well pumps the hot water from ground to surface in a section , called condenser.

Turning to the remaining steps, at the forth stage, the condenser produces steam which goes thorugh a turbine which is powerd by steam. Finally, the last stage invloves, a generator which is powered by turbine and produces electricity. Then the ectricity is distributed using posts. This process runs continuously which produces electricity for households or businesses.

AI examiner evaluation

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 distribution of electricity. The overview is present, though it contains some minor inaccuracies regarding the process (e.g., stating electricity is produced from cold water rather than the steam generated). The key features are identified, and the sequence is logical. However, the description could be more precise in its technical terminology to better reflect the diagram's details. Overall, the task is addressed adequately, but the summary lacks the level of detail required for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, moving from an introduction to the process stages. Cohesive devices such as 'subsequently', 'at the third step', and 'turning to' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally imprecise. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial phases from the final stages, which helps the reader follow the flow of information. The overall progression is clear, though the connection between sentences could be smoother in places.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', and 'condenser' used correctly. However, there are several spelling errors, such as 'electricy', 'thorugh', 'powerd', 'invloves', and 'ectricity'. These errors are noticeable but do not significantly impede communication. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic verbs and repetitive structures. To improve, the student should focus on accuracy in technical spelling and attempt to incorporate more varied descriptive language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues (e.g., 'geothermal powerplant produce') and missing articles (e.g., 'goes through under deep-ground'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement. While the student attempts complex sentences, the frequency of errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. The grammar is functional but requires more attention to detail and proofreading to ensure accuracy.

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

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