Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-13
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 PICTURE BELOW REPRESENTS THE WAY HOW ELECTRICITY IS PRODUCED BY USING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY.
OVERALL, THE PROCEDURE INVOLVES FIVE DIFFERENT STAGES. BEGINNING WITH THE COLD WATER BEING PUMPED DOWN AND ENDING OF WITH THE TURBINE PRODUCING ELECTRICITY.
PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY STARTS WITH THE COLD WATER BEING PUMPED AROUND 4.5 KM DOWN TOWARDS THE INJECTION WELL. FROM THERE THE WATER THEN PASSES THROUGH THE GEOTHERMAL ZONE WHERE HOT ROCKS ARE FOUND. FURTHER IT PASS THROUGH ANOTHER WELL WHICH IS KNOWN AS THE PRODUCTION WELL. NOW INSTEAD OF COLD WATER, HOT WATER IS PUMPED UP AND IS INTRODUCED INTO THE CONDENSER.
CONDENSER TURNS THE WATER INTO STEAM. THE TURBINE WORKS BY STEAM AND THE GENERATOR THEN PRODUCES THE ELECTRICITY WHICH IS POWERED BY THE TURBINE.
IN CONCLUSION, THIS IS HOW THE ELECTRICITY IS PRODUCED. ALL FIVE STAGES CONCLUDE DIFFERENTLY TO IT. FIRST THE COLD WATER BEING PUMPED DOWN,THE INJECTION WELL,THE PRODUCTION WELL, THE CONDENSER AND FINALLY THE TURBINE AND GENERATOR.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by summarising the main features of the geothermal energy production diagram and identifying the five key stages. An overview is provided at the beginning, noting that the procedure involves five stages from cold water being pumped down to the turbine producing electricity. However, the explanation lacks some detail and comparisons are absent, which prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Phrases like 'production of electricity starts with the cold water being pumped around 4.5 km down' successfully report specific data from the visual. Overall, the task is covered adequately with clear, relevant ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is arranged logically with a clear introduction, body paragraphs detailing the stages, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'OVERALL', 'BEGINNING WITH', 'FROM THERE', and 'IN CONCLUSION' are used to structure the text, though some transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the sequential steps, and the conclusion. Referencing is generally clear, allowing the reader to follow the progression of the geothermal process easily, though the final paragraph unnecessarily re-lists the stages.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical process, including terms like 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'production well', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. There are some awkward phrasings and word choices, such as 'ending of with' instead of 'ending with' and 'further it pass through' instead of 'furthermore, it passes through'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, though more precise and sophisticated terminology could elevate the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'production of electricity starts with the cold water being pumped around 4.5 km down towards the injection well.' However, there are several grammatical errors and non-standard forms throughout the text, including capitalization issues ('THE PICTURE BELOW...'), missing plural markers ('it pass through another well'), and prepositions ('ending of with'). While these errors are noticeable and detract from the overall accuracy, the majority of sentences remain comprehensible and communication is rarely impeded.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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