Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-04

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity in a geothermal power plant.

Overall, the process consists of five main stages, beginning with cold water being pumped underground and ending with electricity being produced by a generator. The water is heated naturally by hot rocks before being converted into steam to power a turbine.

Initially, cold water is stored above ground and pumped 4.5 kilometres underground through an injection well. The water then passes through the geothermal zone, where it is heated by the surrounding hot rocks. Once heated, the water is pumped upwards through a separate production well.

In the next stage, the hot water enters a condenser, where it is converted into steam. The steam is then directed towards a turbine, causing its blades to rotate. The rotating turbine powers a generator, which subsequently produces electricity. Finally, the electricity is transmitted to the power grid through overhead power lines.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the geothermal energy production process. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the injection well, the geothermal zone, the condenser, and the turbine. The overview provides a clear summary of the five-stage process, which is a key requirement for Task 1. The information is accurate and logically presented, ensuring the reader understands the sequence of events. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more explicit comparisons or highlight the cyclical nature of the process more clearly, but overall, the task is well-addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is well-organized with a logical progression from the initial stage to the final output. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the initial extraction phase, and the final conversion phase. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'The water then', 'In the next stage', and 'subsequently' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the process. The flow of information is smooth, and there is a clear sense of progression throughout the text. The referencing is consistent and clear, making the response easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical description, such as 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'transmitted'. The word choices are precise and contribute to a professional tone. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, it stays within the expected range for this type of task. To achieve a higher score, you could aim to integrate slightly more sophisticated collocations or varied terminology to describe the mechanical actions, though the current usage is perfectly adequate and error-free.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing is highly accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used effectively. You successfully employ passive voice constructions, which are essential for describing processes (e.g., 'water is heated', 'steam is then directed'). The complex sentences are handled well, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over grammar is strong, and the majority of sentences are error-free, which reflects a high level of proficiency.

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

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