Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The process diagram illustrates the use of goethermal energy in the production of electricity.
Overall, The production of electricity takes 5 steps which starts from Cold water being pumped down through indection wall where water is injected and passes though hot rocks due to which the water becomes hot through production well . Hot water is pumped upward to for condensation, as result steam is generated which moves the turbine and procuce electricity
Cold water is pushed down about 4.5 kilomters and injected through injection well, here the water is passed through geothermal zone which is consist of hot rocks.
Hot water is accumulated on the other side of the injection well, called the production well which also about the same size as injection well, about 4.5 kilometers. On top of production well condenser is placed to produce steam, that is use to spin the turbine. The turbine is attached to a Generator which produce electricity
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 covers the main stages of the geothermal energy process, from the injection of cold water to the generation of electricity. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, professional overview of the entire system. While the key features are identified, the explanation of the 'geothermal zone' and the transition between the injection and production wells could be more precise. The summary of the process is generally accurate, but it misses the opportunity to highlight the cyclical nature of the system or the specific role of the condenser more effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure that the overview synthesizes the information rather than just listing the steps.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. However, the logical progression is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. For example, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is abrupt. While some linking words are used, such as 'as a result', the connection between sentences is sometimes mechanical. The use of referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when referring back to the 'injection well' and 'production well'. Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring smoother transitions between the stages of the process would enhance the overall flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but there are several spelling errors, such as 'goethermal', 'indection', and 'procuce'. These errors, while not always impeding communication, detract from the professional tone required for an Academic Task 1 report. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic terms like 'pushed down' or 'hot rocks'. To improve, you should incorporate more precise technical terminology related to energy production, such as 'geothermal reservoir', 'thermal energy', or 'pressurized steam'. Expanding your range to include more specific collocations will help demonstrate a higher level of lexical control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the writing. Issues include missing articles ('on top of production well'), incorrect verb forms ('which is consist of'), and punctuation errors. The sentence structure is often repetitive, relying heavily on 'which' clauses. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would significantly improve the accuracy of your sentences.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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