Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-03
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 flowchart describes a process in which electricity is generated by utilising geothermal energy.
Overall, this procedure involves five different stages. Starting from the pumping of cold water by the injection well, finally reaches the condenser. The formed steam is passed to the generators to produce electricity.
Initially, the cold water is pumped downward around 4.5 km depth. Arriving at the injection well it reacts with the hot rocks in the geothermal region causing the rise in the temperature of water supplied. The water is later sent to the production well which pushed the water at high temperature upwards.
The water further arrives at the level of condenser for the process of condensation . As a result, the hot water is converted into stream. In the next stage, the turbine is powered by the stream produced. Lastly, the turbine generates electricity to the generator.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a clear overview of the geothermal energy process, identifying the main stages. However, the response falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the score. While the key features are described, the explanation of the process is somewhat superficial. For instance, the transition from the condenser to the turbine is described inaccurately as 'converted into stream' (likely meaning steam), and the technical flow is slightly muddled. To reach a higher band, ensure all parts of the diagram are described with greater precision and ensure the response meets the minimum length requirement to allow for full development of the process description.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. There is a clear introduction and a body that follows the chronological order of the flowchart. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Transitions between sentences, such as 'Initially' and 'Lastly', are functional but basic. Some sentences feel disjointed, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the transition between the condenser and the turbine. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between the stages of the process would enhance the flow and coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', and 'condenser' used correctly. However, there are some noticeable errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'stream' instead of 'steam' and 'pushed the water' instead of 'pumping the water'. These errors occasionally distract the reader. To improve, you should focus on using more precise technical terminology and ensuring accurate spelling of key process-related terms. Expanding your range of vocabulary to include more sophisticated verbs and nouns related to industrial processes would also help elevate your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the writing. For example, 'finally reaches the condenser' lacks a clear subject, and 'causing the rise in the temperature of water supplied' is slightly awkward. There are also issues with preposition usage and article omission. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and refining the use of complex sentence structures will help improve the accuracy and sophistication of your grammar.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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