Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The flowchart describes a process in which electricity is generated by utilising geothermal energy.

Overall, this procedure involves five different stages. Starting from pumping the cold water by the injection well, it reaches the condenser. The formed steam is passed to the turbine to produce the electricity.

Initially, the cold water is pumped downward to 4.5 km depth. Arriving at the injection well it reacts with the hot rocks underneath the surface in the geothermal region causing the rise in the temperature of water supplied. This water is later sent to the production well which pulls back the water at high temperature upwards. This method is called geothermal energy.

The water further arrives at the level of ground for the process of condensation. As a result, the hot water is converted into steam. In the next stage, the spinning turbine is powered by the steam produced. Lastly, due to this reaction with the steam the turbine produces electricity for the generator.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the geothermal energy production process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of the diagram logically. However, the description of the process contains some inaccuracies regarding the technical steps; for instance, the diagram shows the water being heated by hot rocks before reaching the production well, but your explanation of the 'condensation' stage is slightly confused, as the steam is usually produced by the heat of the earth rather than a separate condensation process at the surface. To improve, ensure you carefully interpret the labels and arrows in the diagram to avoid misrepresenting the scientific process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into paragraphs, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs detailing the process. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'In the next stage', and 'Lastly' to guide the reader through the sequence. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the phrase 'due to this reaction with the steam' is slightly vague. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear central theme would help elevate the flow of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', and 'production well' correctly. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'reacts with the hot rocks' (which is not the most precise term for heat transfer) and 'arrives at the level of ground'. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise technical collocations and avoid repetitive phrasing. Using more sophisticated synonyms for 'produced' or 'pumped' would also enhance the quality of your lexical resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most of your sentences are clear and easy to follow. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'causing the rise in the temperature' (should be 'causing a rise') and 'arrives at the level of ground' (should be 'reaches ground level'). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the writing from reaching a higher band. Focus on refining your use of articles and prepositions to ensure greater accuracy in your complex sentences.

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

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