Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-20

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 6.5)

The given diagram illustrates the process of electricity production using geothermal energy.

The process consists of multiple stages and takes place in a geothermal power plant. In the first stage, the cold water is pumped down approximately 4.5 km into the ground to reach geothermal zone. The path that takes water into the bottom of the ground is called injection well. Here the water is heated due to the presence of hot rocks. After this, in the third step, the hot water is pumped up and is taken into a large condenser. The outer path through which water goes up is called production well. The condenser is used to produce massive amount of steam from water which is then released to turbines. Turbines are run by the constant supply of steam from condensers. Finally, in the last stage, steam from condensers is passed to turbines and turbines run generators that produce massive amount of electricity. This electricity is then supplied to the electricity poles built near different areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main steps of the geothermal energy production process, from pumping cold water underground to generating electricity. Key features, such as the 4.5 km depth of the injection well, the heating effect of the geothermal zone, and the roles of the condenser, turbine, and generator, are all accurately reported. An overview is present at the beginning, establishing the context of the diagram. The information is fully grounded in the visual data provided, with no significant omissions or misinterpretations of the process flow. Therefore, this meets the requirements for a high band descriptor in Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response exhibits a clear logical progression from the beginning to the end of the geothermal process. The writer uses sequential signposting expressions such as 'In the first stage', 'After this', 'in the third step', and 'Finally, in the last stage', which guide the reader effectively through the steps of the diagram. Paragraphing could be slightly better managed—ideally separating the introduction/first stage from the later stages of the process into distinct paragraphs—but overall, the text holds together logically and cohesive devices are employed appropriately without being overly mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suited to a process diagram, using terms such as 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'production well', 'condenser', and 'transmission pylon'. Less common lexical items are attempted, such as 'massive amount of steam' and 'constant supply'. However, there are minor awkward collocations and repetitive phrasing, such as 'massive amount of electricity' appearing twice, and occasional missing articles (e.g., 'reach geothermal zone', 'to turbines'). The vocabulary is sufficient for precision, though slight lexical limitations keep it from reaching a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses ('The path that takes water into the bottom of the ground is called injection well') and passive constructions ('cold water is pumped down', 'water is heated'). While there are frequent error-free sentences, a few grammatical inaccuracies persist, primarily involving missing articles ('the cold water is pumped down' vs 'reach geothermal zone') and minor prepositional or phrasing slips. These errors do not impede communication, and control over grammar is generally sound.

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