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)
The diagram illustrates the process of production of electricity by using geothermal energy.
Overall, the diagram demonstrates the different steps involved in the process of making electricity by geothermal energy these steps are( cold water, the injection well, the production well, condenser and tribune).
The diagram shows that the first step involves in to produce electricity by using geothermal energy is cold water which is pumped down approximately 4.5 km to the injection well moreover, before the water reached to the production well it pumped between the geothermal zone( hot rocks). After completing this initial step cold water turned into hot water and it pumped up to condenser and condenser produced steam from the hot water. The final but the most curtail point is started when steam shifted to the tribune and powered by tribune it produced electricity and transferred it to generator and then supply to the electric pool.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the geothermal energy process, identifying the key stages from cold water injection to electricity generation. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview of the process as a whole. While the main steps are mentioned, the explanation of the 'geothermal zone' and the transition between the condenser and the turbine could be more precise. The response meets the minimum length requirement, but the development of the information is slightly repetitive and lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band score. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the cyclical nature of the process rather than just listing the components.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into two paragraphs, which is a reasonable structure for a short report. However, the flow of ideas is often hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. For example, the transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt, and the use of 'moreover' and 'after completing this initial step' feels slightly forced. The referencing is occasionally unclear, particularly when describing the movement of water and steam. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one to create a smoother narrative flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally adequate to describe the process, but it is quite limited and contains several inaccuracies. Terms like 'tribune' (instead of turbine) and 'electric pool' (instead of power grid) indicate a lack of precision in technical terminology. There is also some repetition of basic verbs like 'pumped' and 'produced'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise technical vocabulary related to energy production and avoid word-choice errors that can confuse the reader. Expanding your range of synonyms for common verbs will also help improve the overall quality of your writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include incorrect verb tenses ('is started'), missing articles ('to condenser'), and awkward sentence construction ('the first step involves in to produce'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of parentheses and commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence structure prevents the essay from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage would be highly beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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