Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-02
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 given diagram illustrates the process of electricity generation in a geothermal power plant.
Overall, the whole procedure of electricity generation from the surficial cold water to the steam of the hot water which run the turbine of generator to produce electricity.
It is quite evident from the given information that the complete process of power generation comprises of two parts. One is above the surface of the earth and the other is beneath the surface of the earth. Initially, the process starts from the cold water of the surface which is pumped down 4.5 km in earth surface into the injection well. After that, this cold water enters into the geothermal zone where hot rocks enhanced the temperature of the water and turned it into hot water. In addition, this hot water reaches the production well and it is pumped up into the condenser.
Furthermore, the cold water has now become the hot water and reached above the surface of the earth and entered into the condenser. Here the condenser converts hot water into steam which is used to run the pedals of turbine. These pedals are connected with generator which is used to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
To conclude, the cold water of the surface after turning into hot water due to geothermal rocks becomes the steam into condenser and run the turbine which is connected to generator which produce electricity. This electricity is transferred through electricity poles to the homes, offices, hospitals and schools.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers all key stages of the geothermal energy process, from injection to electricity distribution. The overview is present but grammatically incomplete, which slightly weakens the clarity of the summary. While the main features are identified, the description of the 'geothermal zone' and the transition from the condenser to the turbine could be more precise. The response successfully highlights the cyclical nature of the process and the distinction between underground and surface activities. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview provides a more cohesive summary of the entire process rather than just listing steps.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, moving from an introduction to the underground process, then the surface process, and finally a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', 'Furthermore', and 'To conclude' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally repetitive (e.g., 'the cold water', 'the hot water'). The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is generally clear, though the concluding paragraph repeats information already stated rather than synthesizing it effectively.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using technical terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'production well', and 'condenser'. However, there is a lack of variety in word choice, with frequent repetition of basic terms like 'water', 'process', and 'electricity'. Some collocations are slightly unnatural, such as 'surficial cold water' or 'run the pedals of turbine'. To improve, the student should aim for more precise terminology and avoid repeating the same nouns and verbs throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the earth surface', 'the steam of the hot water') and verb tenses ('hot rocks enhanced the temperature'). The second sentence is a sentence fragment, lacking a main verb. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. The student should focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of definite and indefinite articles in technical descriptions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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