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 steps involved in the production of eletricity form geothermal energy.
Overall, the entrie process consist of five major steps, beginning with the pouring the cold water in deep holes to production of electricity and transmission for consumer's use.
Initally, the entire process begins with the cold water, which is pumped down in the injection well of around 4.5 km. After that, the water flows through the geothermal zone of earth, where the hot rocks heat the water, which converts the water into the steam. The steam is then moves towards the production well, from where the steam is supplied to the condenser.
In fourth step, the collected steam in the condenser is supplied to the turbine through narrow opening, subesquently the turbine starts to rotate by the steam pressure. The turbine is connected with the generator, where the rotation of turbine is used by generator to produce electricity. Finally, the electricity is then transmitted to consumers through the large trasmission tower.
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 covers all key stages of the geothermal electricity production process, from pumping cold water underground to the final transmission of electricity. The overview accurately highlights that the process consists of five major steps. Key details such as the 4.5 km depth of the injection well and the role of the hot rocks, condenser, turbine, and generator are properly reported. However, there are a few minor inaccuracies or awkward phrasings in describing the mechanics, such as stating that cold water is poured into deep holes rather than pumped down. Despite these minor points, the main features and comparisons are adequately selected and reported, meeting the expectations for a Band 6.5 or solid Band 6 performance.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is arranged logically into four paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the steps of the process. Progression is generally clear, moving chronologically from the start of the cycle to the final electricity transmission. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader, such as 'Initally', 'After that', and 'Finally'. However, some cohesion is slightly mechanical, and there are occasional referencing or punctuation awkwardnesses. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the stages of the process, resulting in an overall coherent piece of writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range suitable for describing a technical process, utilizing words such as 'generation', 'transmission', 'condenser', and 'geothermal zone'. However, there are notable spelling errors ('eletricity', 'entrie', 'Initally', 'subesquently', 'trasmission') and some minor word choice issues, such as 'pouring the cold water' instead of pumping. Less common lexical items are attempted but occasionally flawed. The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points, but errors prevent it from reaching a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response includes a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses ('water flows through the geothermal zone of earth, where the hot rocks heat the water...') and participial phrases. Grammatical control is generally fair, but there are several noticeable errors involving prepositions and articles (e.g., 'the production of eletricity form geothermal energy', 'beginning with the pouring the cold water', 'into the steam'). Punctuation and minor grammar slips occur throughout, but they do not impede overall communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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