Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-01

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 gives information on how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity.

Overall, this process consists of five distinct stages. At the beginning, cold water is pumped down into the injection well and then reaches the geothermal zone (hot rocks). Afterwards, hot water is pumped up into a condenser to produce steam, which is used to power generator turbine to produce electricity.

Initially, cold water is pumped down covering 4.5 km into the injection well. Afterwards, cold water in the injection well flows through a geothermal zone (hot rock) before reaching the production well.

Furthermore, hot water is pumped up from the production well and moves into a condenser to produce steam. Subsequently, the generator turbine is then powered by steam and turbine to produce electricity, which then supplies power to transformers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While the report covers the main stages of the geothermal process, the under-length nature of the response means that the description lacks the necessary detail and depth required for a higher band. The overview is present, but the explanation of the process is somewhat repetitive, particularly in the description of the water movement. To improve, you should expand on the technical details provided in the diagram, such as the role of the cooling tower or the specific function of the transformer, to ensure a more comprehensive summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and subsequent paragraphs detailing the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'At the beginning', 'Afterwards', 'Initially', and 'Furthermore' helps to guide the reader through the stages of the process. However, the paragraphing is slightly disjointed, and the transition between the second and third paragraphs feels a bit mechanical. The logical flow is generally easy to follow, but the lack of sufficient length makes the overall structure feel underdeveloped. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally accurate and appropriate for describing a technical process, including terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'generator turbine'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a tendency to repeat words like 'pumped' and 'water'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise terminology and synonyms to avoid repetition. For example, instead of repeating 'pumped', you could use 'circulated', 'injected', or 'transported'. The current vocabulary is sufficient for the task but lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically sound, though there are some minor issues, such as 'power generator turbine' which should be 'the generator turbine'. The use of passive voice is appropriate for a process description, which is a positive feature. However, the range of structures is somewhat limited, and the sentences are relatively straightforward. To improve, try to integrate more complex sentence forms, such as relative clauses or participle phrases, to demonstrate greater control over grammatical variety while maintaining accuracy.

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

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