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 produced by geothermal energy. This mechanism of using geothermal energy to generate electricity is based on 5 major steps.

Overall, the process begins with the 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 through the geothermal zone, which contains hot rock beds to assist in raising the temperature of water. Afterwards this hot water is pumed up to the condenser from production well, where it condenses into steam.

The steam then powers the turbine to rotate and eventually leads 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 stages of electricity production using geothermal energy. The student provides a clear overview stating that the process begins with pumping down cold water and concludes with electricity generation, mentioning the injection and production wells. Key features such as the 4.5 km depth, the geothermal zone with hot rocks, the condenser, and the turbine are accurately reported. The information is fully grounded in the provided diagram without major omissions or misinterpretations.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The report shows a clear logical organisation and progression from the start of the process to the finish. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the introduction, overview, body details, and concluding step. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'in the first stage', 'Before reaching', and 'The steam then' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence, although transitions could occasionally be even more tightly woven.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response, including terms like 'sequential stages', 'mechanism', 'intermediate steps', 'condenses into steam', and 'transmission poles'. There is a minor spelling error ('pumed' instead of 'pumped'), but overall the vocabulary allows for precise description of the mechanical process without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases ('while several mechanical structures including the injection and the production wells act as intermediate steps') and relative clauses. There is good control over grammar and punctuation, with only a minor spelling lapse in an otherwise well-structured text. The majority of sentences are clear and error-free.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.