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 diagram illustrates that how electricity is generated by geothermal energy.

Overall, cold storage of water is mandatory to inject the water. After that water flows to the production well and reached to the condenser .It turbines the flow to generator for the production of electricity.

The initial process to generate electricity is to store huge amount of cold water. Cold water is then pumped down for approximately 4.5 kilometres where it reaches the injection well. The geothermal zone is beneath the earth crust where it is hit by rocks.

The tertiary process pumps the water upward through the production well, at this point water becomes hot. It is condensed for hours, after that it is steamed so that for sometimes. It is steamed and it seems like a tornado, after steaming the water is turbined for a period of time powered by steam. After this process, it goes through generator powered by turbine and generates electricity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the geothermal energy process, but the description is often inaccurate or confusing. For example, the claim that water is 'condensed for hours' and 'steamed... like a tornado' is not supported by the diagram and misinterprets the technical process. The overview is also somewhat simplistic. To improve, focus on accurately reporting the sequence of events shown in the diagram (injection, heating, production, and generation) rather than adding speculative details. The response addresses the task requirements, but the lack of precision in describing the technical stages limits the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or awkward, such as 'After that water flows' and 'The tertiary process'. Some transitions are confusing, particularly the jump between the second and third paragraphs. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making the logical flow feel disjointed. To reach a higher band, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that connects logically to the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks precision. There are several instances of awkward word choice, such as 'It turbines the flow' and 'it is steamed so that for sometimes'. These errors occasionally impede the clarity of the technical explanation. While the student attempts to use process-related terminology like 'injection well' and 'production well', the overall range is limited. To improve, focus on using verbs and nouns that accurately describe mechanical processes, such as 'circulate', 'harness', or 'convert'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'illustrates that how electricity is generated', 'reached to the condenser', and 'it is turbined for a period of time powered by steam'. These errors, particularly with verb forms and prepositions, are noticeable throughout the text. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these slips prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct sentence construction would significantly improve the quality of the writing.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.