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)

The diagram shows how geothermal energy is used for making electricity.

Overall, the process has five steps, starting with cold water and finishing with electricity production.

First, cold water is kept in a tank. Then, it is pumped down 4.5 km underground through an injection well. After that, the water passes through the geothermal zone where there are hot rocks, so the water becomes hot.

Next, the hot water is pumped back up to the surface using a production well. The water goes to a condenser, which changes it into steam. Then, this steam goes to a turbine and makes it work. Finally, the generator receives power from the turbine and produces electricity, which goes to the power lines.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, as it is only 119 words long. This significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the response. While the main features of the geothermal process are identified, the description is quite basic and lacks the necessary depth or comparative analysis required for a high band score. The summary is accurate but lacks the level of detail expected in an Academic Task 1 response, such as describing the cycle's continuous nature or elaborating on the technical components beyond a simple list of steps.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically sequenced, following the steps of the diagram chronologically. The use of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Then', 'After that', 'Next', and 'Finally' provides a clear, albeit somewhat mechanical, progression. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire response is written as a single block of text. To improve, the student should group related information into distinct paragraphs, such as separating the initial injection phase from the power generation phase, to enhance the overall structure and readability of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite simple and repetitive. Phrases like 'making electricity' and 'makes it work' are functional but lack the precision and academic tone expected in this task. There is little attempt to use less common or technical vocabulary related to energy production. To achieve a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise terminology such as 'harnessing', 'geothermal reservoir', 'thermal energy', or 'electricity generation' to demonstrate a wider and more sophisticated lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and compound sentences, which are generally accurate. There are few grammatical errors, and the meaning is clear throughout. However, the range of structures is limited; the writing relies heavily on simple subject-verb-object patterns. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the water is heated by hot rocks') or relative clauses, which are essential for describing technical processes. Increasing the variety of sentence types would significantly improve the grammatical range score.

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

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