Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-18
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 step-wise process for the production of electricity using geothermal energy.
Overall, the seven step power plant process begins by pumping collecting cold water and pumping it down the pipe and ends by the production of electricity using powered turbine. Hot rocks present in geothermal zone is utilized.
Firstly, cold water is accumulated in a tank and pumped down 4.5 km towards geothermal zone through the injection well. In the second step, the water passes through geothermal zone containing hot rocks. The hot water is pumped upward through the production well in the third stage. This water reaches a large condenser tank present directly above the production well.
In condenser, hot water is condensed to form steam, which is passed into the turbine. The steam is used to power the turbine. Generator is powered by turbine and in return, this produces electricity. This electricity is transferred to the electric tower and runs the geothermal power plant.
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 successfully addresses the prompt by describing the main features of the geothermal energy production process, including the depth of 4.5 km, the injection and production wells, and the role of the turbine and generator. An overview is attempted in the second paragraph, mentioning the seven steps and the utilization of hot rocks, which satisfies the requirement for a general summary. However, some minor details are slightly inaccurate or phrased awkwardly, such as stating that water is condensed to form steam in the condenser, whereas the diagram shows hot water converting to steam before or within the condenser stage. Overall, the response covers all parts of the task adequately, earning a band score of 6.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response exhibits a coherent overall arrangement with a logical progression from the initial pumping of cold water down to the final generation of electricity. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction and overview from the detailed body steps. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In the second step', and 'In condenser' help guide the reader through the sequence. However, referencing and cohesion are occasionally mechanical or slightly faulty, such as the missing article in 'In condenser' and some abrupt transitions between sentences. Despite these minor issues, the information is organized clearly throughout, justifying a band score of 6.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, successfully incorporating process-specific terminology such as 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'production well', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. There are some awkward word choices and omissions, such as 'pumping collecting cold water' and 'In condenser' instead of 'In the condenser'. Less common lexical items are attempted with varying degrees of success, and occasional errors in word formation or collocation occur. Because the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main ideas without impeding communication, a band score of 6.0 is appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'The diagram illustrates the step-wise process for the production of electricity using geothermal energy.' There are several grammatical errors, including missing articles ('Hot rocks present in geothermal zone is', 'Generator is powered'), subject-verb agreement issues ('Hot rocks... is utilized'), and awkward phrasing ('begins by pumping collecting cold water'). While these errors are noticeable and detract from precision, they rarely impede overall communication. The command of grammar aligns well with the descriptors for a band score of 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.