Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The pictorial representation illustrates the data related to process of producing electricity through geothermal energy.

Overall, five crucial steps are involved in the production which begins when cold water is pumped down in the ground and ends with the production of electricity through generator.

Initially, cycle starts when cold water is pumped down towards the ground approximately 4.5 kilometer and injected well. Afterwards, when cold water comes in contact of hot rocks water gets heated up and hot water pumps up from the another side. Moreover, underground zone where these activity take place is known geothermal zone. Then condenser is placed on the point where hot water comes out and condenser help to produce steam from water. Along this, with the help of steam turbines are formed which will further help in production of electricity. At the end, with the help of generator electricity produces which are powered by turbines then big generators are connected to wires which provide electricity in town and cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all the key stages of the geothermal energy process, from pumping cold water underground to the final generation of electricity. The writer provides a clear overview identifying the number of main steps and outlines the core mechanism, including the 4.5 km depth and the role of the injection and production wells. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in the sequencing and description of the process, such as stating that 'turbines are formed' by steam rather than driven by it, and minor confusion regarding the condenser's position and function. Nevertheless, the main features are adequately selected, compared, and reported, satisfying the core requirements of Task 1 for a Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression. It starts with an introductory sentence and an overall summary paragraph, followed by a sequential body paragraph detailing the steps of the diagram. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Afterwards', 'Moreover', and 'At the end' are employed to guide the reader through the process, though some transitional phrases feel slightly mechanical or awkward (e.g., 'Along this'). Paragraphing is appropriately handled, separating the introduction/overview from the detailed process description, which aids readability and ensures a coherent flow of information throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student attempts a range of process-specific vocabulary, including terms like 'pictorial representation', 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'condenser', and 'generator'. However, there are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices that detract from precision, such as 'injected well' instead of 'injection well', 'comes in contact of hot rocks' instead of 'comes into contact with hot rocks', and 'turbines are formed' instead of 'turbines are rotated/driven'. While communication is not impeded, these frequent collocation and word-choice errors place the response firmly in the Band 6 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and subordinate structures (e.g., 'which begins when cold water is pumped...'). However, grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are several noticeable errors involving prepositions, articles, and verb forms, such as 'pumped down in the ground' instead of 'into the ground', 'hot water pumps up' instead of 'is pumped up', 'activity take place' instead of 'activities take place', and 'electricity produces' instead of 'electricity is produced'. Despite these errors, meaning remains generally clear, supporting a Band 6 score.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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