Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-19
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 given diagram illustrates the process of converting geothermal energy into electricity. The diagram outlines five steps in total that happens inside a Geothermal power plant in order to produce electricity.
The process begins with the storage of cold water. This water is pumped down almost 4.5 km deep until it reaches the injection well. From there, water crosses the Geothermal zone where hot rocks are present which makes water really hot. It then moves towards the third step that is the production well where the hot water is pumped up straight into the condenser. Water produces steam which is used to power turbine.
Moreover, the turbine powers the generator and produces electricity that is then supplied via electric poles. Overall, the above discussion summarizes the stages involved in producing electricity using geothermal energy
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student provides a generally accurate summary of the geothermal energy process, outlining the key stages from cold water storage to electricity generation. Key features such as the 4.5 km depth, the injection and production wells, the geothermal zone, and the turbine/generator sequence are successfully identified and reported. However, the response falls short of the word count requirement, containing only 134 words against the required minimum of 150 words. This under-length impacts the overall task achievement because some details could have been further extended or fully developed. Nevertheless, the main overview is present and the selection of features is largely appropriate, earning a Band 5.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is arranged logically and follows the chronological sequence of the process diagram. Paragraphing is used, separating the introduction, the main body of the process, and a brief concluding sentence. Cohesive devices such as 'The process begins', 'From there', and 'Moreover' are employed to guide the reader through the stages, though some transitions feel a bit mechanical ('the third step that is the production well'). Overall progression is clear, and referencing is mostly adequate, resulting in a solid Band 6.0 performance for coherence and cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary for the task, successfully using terms like 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'production well', 'condenser', and 'generator'. However, the range is somewhat limited and relies on repetitive phrasing (e.g., repeating 'produces electricity' and 'hot water'). There is a minor grammatical-lexical error in the introductory sentence ('that happens' instead of 'that happen'), but overall the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points without causing strain for the reader, placing it at Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'This water is pumped down almost 4.5 km deep until it reaches the injection well.' There are some minor errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'steps in total that happens' (agreement error) and 'used to power turbine' (missing article 'a'). Punctuation is generally correct, and sentences do not impede overall communication. Control of grammar is reasonably good for an intermediate level, warranting a Band 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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