Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The diagram demonstrates the procedure of production of electricity with the utilization of geothermal energy . This involves several complex stages.
Intially, the cold water is pumped below up to 4.5km.At reaches at the injection well. After that , the water is transformed through a geothermal zone which is quite hot. The temperature of water is surged when it pases through this hot rocks zone. It reaches at production well. At this point, the warm water is then pumped up to condenser. Condenser transform this hot water in steam through evaporation process. At this stage,the steam is then moved to next part where it power the turbine. Consequently, the turbine powered by vapours then transform power to generator which generate electric current. Then this electricity is moved from generator to transformer with assistance of wires for usage.
Overall, the process involves various steps, from the heating of water through natural geothermal energy, then the conversation of this heated water into vapour which assist the turbine to generate energy. The energy is then utilised by generator for the production of electricity
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy production process, from the injection of cold water to the final generation of electricity. The overview is present and provides a summary of the process. However, the description of the stages is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical tone suitable for an Academic Task 1 report. While all key features are identified, the explanation of the 'condenser' and 'turbine' functions could be more precise. The response is accurate in its reporting of the diagram's flow, but it would benefit from more sophisticated synthesis of the information rather than simply listing the steps in chronological order.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is logically sequenced, following the path of the water through the system. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction, the body, and the summary, which helps the reader follow the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', and 'Consequently' are used to link ideas. However, some transitions feel repetitive or slightly mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, though the flow between sentences could be improved by using more varied linking structures to avoid a 'list-like' feel. Overall, the information is arranged coherently, and the progression is easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing for a clear description of the process. Terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', and 'turbine' are used correctly. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'the temperature of water is surged' (should be 'rises' or 'increases') and 'conversation of this heated water' (should be 'conversion'). The range is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. Some phrasing is slightly unnatural, which limits the score in this criterion.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'At reaches at the injection well' (incorrect preposition and verb usage), 'pases through this hot rocks zone' (subject-verb agreement and spelling), and 'Condenser transform' (missing article). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some spacing issues around commas and periods. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to suggest a lack of control over complex structures. A greater focus on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and article usage would improve the accuracy significantly.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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