Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-14

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates how electricity is produced with the help of geothermal energy.

Overall, the process of electricity production comprises of mainly five steps starting from cold water that pumps down underneath the soil to injection well where the geothermal zone is located to heat up the water and from there it gets into the production well, from where the heated water is pumped upwards to the condenser and afterwards there is the turbine which is powered by steam and then finally generator uses the turbine's rotational energy for its conversion into electricity.

Firstly, the cold water storage is present from where the water is moved downwards under the ground with the help of a pumping system to 4.5 km into a section called the injection well. From there, with the assistance of hot rocks, the area generates a geothermal zone, with which the water is flowed. Also the thermal energy present beneath the surface, allows the water passing through the hot rocks to get heated in the geothermal zone.

Secondly, the water passing and heating up in the geothermal zone is entered into the area named as the production well, from where the water is pumped upwards to the condenser present on the ground surface.

Thirdly, the condenser transforms the hot water through its condensation process into steam which is travelled to the turbine and generator.

Lastly, there is a turbine next to the condenser that empowers the turbine and gives energy to it for the production of energy for generator. Subsequently, the generator then uses the energy generated by turbines to produces electricity in it. This is the basic process of electricity production in a geothermal power plant.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all the key features of the diagram detailing how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity. The overview clearly highlights the main stages, moving from cold water being pumped into the injection well to the final generation of electricity. The writer traces the process chronologically through the injection well, geothermal zone, production well, condenser, turbine, and generator. All major steps and comparisons or interactions between elements are appropriately reported without omitting crucial information. The main features are highlighted well, satisfying the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response, earning a solid band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The text exhibits a clear overall progression, starting with an introductory overview and following a step-by-step breakdown using sequencing language such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Thirdly', and 'Lastly'. Paragraphing is used to separate the overview from the detailed body paragraphs, although the first body paragraph contains a massive run-on sentence ('Overall, the process...'). Cohesive devices are generally employed to guide the reader through the diagram, but referencing is occasionally repetitive and mechanical, such as the constant use of 'from where' and 'water'. Despite these structural faults in sentence construction, logical organisation remains clear throughout, justifying a band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical diagram, using terms such as 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'production well', 'condenser', and 'rotational energy'. However, there are frequent instances of awkward word choice, clunky collocations, and minor lexical inaccuracies, such as 'comprises of mainly' (comprises mainly), 'cold water storage is present', and 'empowers the turbine and gives energy to it'. The writer attempts less common vocabulary, but these choices occasionally feel forced or imprecise. Nevertheless, the meaning remains clear throughout, making this a fitting performance for a band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, though control over complex structures is somewhat inconsistent. The opening paragraph contains a glaring run-on sentence that strings multiple clauses together awkwardly with conjunctions ('comprises of mainly five steps starting from... and from there... and afterwards... and then finally...'). There are also occasional grammatical errors and awkward passive/active transitions, such as 'with which the water is flowed' and 'produces electricity in it'. While simple sentences are generally accurate, the frequency of clumsy syntactic structures prevents the response from reaching higher bands. A band 6.0 reflects this mix of structures and errors.

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