Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity using geothermal energy at a geothermal power plant.

Overall, the process consists of five main stages, beginning with cold water being pumped underground and ending with electricity being generated and transmitted to consumers. The process involves the use of an injection well, hot rocks, a production well, a condenser, a turbine and a generator.

Initially, cold water is pumped down through the injection well to a depth of 4.5 kilometres below the ground. It then passes through a geothermal zone containing hot rocks, which heat the water. The resulting hot water is subsequently pumped back to the surface through a production well.

In the next stage, the hot water enters a condenser, where it is converted into steam. The steam is then directed towards a turbine, causing it to rotate. The rotating turbine powers a generator, which produces electricity. Finally, the electricity is transmitted through power lines and supplied to consumers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student covers all key features of the geothermal energy process diagram accurately and logically. The introduction correctly identifies the purpose of the diagram, and the overview highlights the main stages, mentioning the injection well, hot rocks, production well, condenser, turbine, and generator. The body paragraphs trace the sequence of steps faithfully, noting specific details such as the 4.5-kilometre depth of the injection well and the conversion of water to steam. All parts of the task are fully addressed with no significant omissions or misinterpretations of the visual data. This meets the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is well-organised and demonstrates clear logical progression throughout. Information is grouped logically into an introduction, an overview, and two detailed body paragraphs that follow the chronological flow of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'It then', 'subsequently', 'In the next stage', and 'Finally' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the stages of the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing (such as 'It', 'The resulting hot water', and 'The steam') is well managed, ensuring smooth transitions between sentences.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary relevant to an academic process description. Terms such as 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', and 'transmission' demonstrate good task-specific lexical resource. Less common phrases like 'converted into steam', 'causing it to rotate', and 'supplied to consumers' are employed with general accuracy and appropriate collocation. While the vocabulary is not overly complex or sophisticated, it is precise enough to convey the technical steps of the process clearly without noticeable errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates good control of a variety of sentence structures, including both simple and complex forms. The response features effective use of participial phrases (e.g., 'beginning with cold water being pumped underground', 'causing it to rotate') and subordinate clauses. The grammar and punctuation are generally accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Control over verb tenses (primarily the present simple passive, e.g., 'is pumped down', 'is converted') is well maintained throughout the description, ensuring clear communication with only rare, minor slips.

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