Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-10

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)

In the given diagram , the process the process of generating geothermal energy has been discussed. In order to produced it , various steps are being followed. In this task , steps will be discussed to produced geothermal energy .

Firstly, cold water pump down to the injection well where it gets hot due to hot rocks. Secondly, After passing through the geothermal zone, hot water pumps up via production well. Thirdly, when hot water reaches the condenser, it changes into steams. fourthly, those steams build pressure which help starting turbine. lastly, once the turbine starts, it helps starting generator which produces geothermal energy.

Hence, the processing of producing geothermal energy starts with cold water, then after going through various steps, finally generator powered by turbine produces electricity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 128 words. This significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the description of the process. While the main stages of the geothermal energy production cycle are identified, the lack of length prevents a detailed overview or a more comprehensive summary of the features. The introduction is repetitive, and the overall response lacks the depth required for a higher band score. To improve, ensure that you describe each stage with more detail, perhaps by explaining the function of the components more thoroughly to meet the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response uses basic sequencing markers such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Thirdly', and 'lastly' to organize the information. While this provides a logical flow, the paragraphing is poor; the entire body of the response is contained within a single paragraph, which makes it difficult to follow. The transition between the introduction and the body is also abrupt. To improve, use a more sophisticated range of cohesive devices beyond simple numbering and ensure that the response is structured into clear, distinct paragraphs for the introduction, overview, and detailed process steps.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. For example, the word 'produced' is used incorrectly in the phrase 'In order to produced it' and 'to produced geothermal energy'. There is also a reliance on basic verbs like 'starts', 'helps', and 'changes'. While the terminology related to the diagram (e.g., 'injection well', 'condenser', 'turbine', 'generator') is accurate, the range is not sufficient to demonstrate flexibility. To improve, avoid repeating the same verbs and focus on using more precise academic vocabulary, such as 'facilitates', 'converts', or 'circulates'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are several grammatical errors throughout the text that impede clarity. Examples include 'the process the process' (repetition), 'In order to produced it' (incorrect verb form), 'cold water pump down' (missing auxiliary verb 'is'), and 'those steams' (incorrect pluralization of an uncountable noun). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. The punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct verb tense usage, and the proper use of articles and plural forms.

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

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