Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The diagram illustrates the stages involved in the production of electricity with the use of geothermal energy.
Overall, the process consists of 5 stages, beginning with pumping down the water and conluminating with electricity's production.
Initially, the cold water is pumped down the injection wall it travels the distance of 4.5km, it then undergoes a further process in which water is passed through hot rocks also known as geothermal zone. Due to this process water is heated.
Subsequently, hot water is then pumped up the production well into a condenser in which the process of evaporation takes place, and water is then converted into steam. Once this step has been completed the steam is then pushed into a turbine. The resulting steam then powers the turbine which in turn powers the generator. Finally the energy then produces electricity.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The student attempts to summarise the main features of the diagram illustrating how geothermal energy produces electricity. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, and the sequential steps are outlined. However, there are some inaccuracies and omissions in describing the process, such as referring to the injection well as the "injection wall" and misinterpreting parts of the mechanical system. Furthermore, the response falls short of the word count requirement, containing only 138 words against the minimum 150-word limit. This under-length impacts the overall development and completeness of the task, restricting the band score to Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The text demonstrates a basic logical organisation with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs detailing the steps sequentially. Cohesive devices such as "Initially", "Subsequently", and "Finally" are used to guide the reader through the process. However, paragraphing is somewhat fragmented, with a very brief overview paragraph and overly dense body sections. Referencing is occasionally unclear, and some transitions feel mechanical. Despite these flaws, the overall arrangement is coherent enough to follow the progression of the diagram, earning a Band 6.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student uses a sufficient vocabulary range to describe a technical process, including terms like "geothermal energy", "evaporation", "turbine", and "generator". However, there are noticeable lexical errors and inappropriate word choices, such as "conluminating" (culminating/concluding), "injection wall" (injection well), and awkward phrasing like "electricity's production". Spelling and word-choice errors occur, but they do not completely impede communication. These limitations place the vocabulary firmly in the Band 5.0 category.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses ("in which the process of evaporation takes place") and participial phrases. However, there are several grammatical errors and punctuation issues, including run-on sentences ("...the cold water is pumped down the injection wall it travels the distance of 4.5km, it then undergoes...") and preposition misuse. While some complex forms are attempted, frequent errors in punctuation and clause connection cause some difficulty for the reader, justifying a Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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