Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-09

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)

This diagram shows that how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity by using water.

In this plant, the cold water is used to pumped down into the hot rocks in the earth. After this, the water is converted into steam and transfer into the condenser which is joined with turbine and then steam is shifted into the generator and converted into the electricity. After all of this process, the electricity is transferred to the tower.

All of this process have total 5 stages which are related to each other and each stage use and play different role to produce electricity. At the start of this process, the water is pumped down about 4.5km by injection well, then the production well hot rocks converted this water into steam. After this steam is used to powered the turbine and produced electricity.

Overall at the end of this discussion, the each stage of this process play important role to produce electricity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the geothermal energy process, identifying the key stages from water injection to electricity generation. However, the description is somewhat repetitive, and the overview is weak, merely stating that the stages play an important role rather than highlighting the core mechanism (the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical and then electrical energy). While the main features are present, the report lacks a clear, analytical summary of the process flow, which is necessary for a higher band. The information is accurate, but the lack of a more sophisticated overview limits the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'After this', 'After all of this process', 'At the start of this process'). The progression of ideas is logical, but the transitions between sentences feel a bit forced. Paragraphing is present, but the final paragraph is redundant and does not add new information or provide a meaningful conclusion to the process description. Improving the variety of linking words would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using technical terms like 'geothermal energy', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. However, there is a lack of range and some inaccuracies in word choice. For example, 'shifted into the generator' is not the most precise collocation for describing energy conversion. There is also some repetition of basic verbs like 'produce' and 'use'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise verbs related to industrial processes, such as 'circulate', 'harness', or 'facilitate', and avoid repeating the same phrasing throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'is used to pumped down' (should be 'is pumped down' or 'is used to pump'), 'transfer into the condenser' (should be 'transferred'), and 'the each stage' (should be 'each stage'). Additionally, there are issues with subject-verb agreement and article usage, such as 'All of this process have'. While the meaning remains clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on verb forms and article usage will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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