Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-25

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 sequential stages of how electricity is prodcued by geothermal energy. This mechanism of using geothermal energy to generate electricity is based on 5 major steps.

Overall, the process begins with pumping down of cold water and concludes with generation of electricity by generators, while several mechanical structures including the injection and the production wells act as intermediate steps.

The cold water is pumped down for about 4.5 km into the injection well, in the first stage of this production process. Before reaching the production well, the cold water passes though the geothermal zone, which contains hot rocks bed to assist in raising the temperature of water. Afterwards this hot water is pumed up to the condenser from production well, where it condense into the steam.

The steam then powered the turbine to rotate and eventually lead to the generation of electricity by generators. Furthermore, the electricity is supplied to various areas through transmission poles.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main features of the geothermal energy production process. An appropriate overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the overall mechanism from pumping down cold water to generating electricity. Key data points, such as the 4.5 km depth of the injection well, are accurately reported, and the sequence of steps from the injection well through the geothermal zone to the condenser and turbine is clearly followed. The response is well-grounded in the visual data without introducing irrelevant outside information. Although some minor details of the diagram are omitted, the coverage is comprehensive enough to meet the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly, starting with an introduction and overview paragraph, followed by detailed body paragraphs that trace the sequential stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'in the first stage', 'Before reaching', and 'Afterwards' are used effectively to guide the reader through the steps. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction from the body, and referencing is clear. The progression from cold water injection to electricity distribution flows smoothly, resulting in a cohesive piece of writing that fits the Band 7.0 descriptor well.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, such as 'sequential stages', 'intermediate steps', and 'transmission poles'. Less common items like 'injection', 'production', and 'condenser' are used accurately in context. However, there are a few spelling and word-choice errors, notably 'prodcued' instead of 'produced' and 'pumed' instead of 'pumped', alongside minor awkwardness like 'hot rocks bed'. Despite these slips, the vocabulary is adequate to convey the technical process clearly, aligning with the criteria for a Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses and prepositional phrases (e.g., 'This mechanism of using geothermal energy to generate electricity is based on 5 major steps'). There are frequent error-free sentences, showing a good level of control over basic and some complex structures. However, a few grammatical inaccuracies are present, such as 'where it condense into the steam' (subject-verb agreement and article error) and 'The steam then powered the turbine' (tense inconsistency). These errors do not impede communication, placing the grammatical performance solidly at Band 6.5.

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