Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-26

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 5.0)

The diagram depicts the usage of geothermal energy to generate electricity.

Overall, it is clear that geothermal zone perform a crucial role in converting cold water into hot water needed to generate electricity . In addition the injection well or production well both are responsible for the injection or extraction of water respectively.

Geothermal energy plays a vital role in production of electricity. In addition generator is the key component to produce electricity from the steam. It comprise turbine that could power it. Conversely, tower is the layout where the electricity distributed all over the area.

On the other hand, there is a 4.5km straight portion where the cold water pumped down into injection well. As compared to the production well where hot water is pumped. Subsequently the setup where a boiling water transformed into steam inside the condenser . Furthermore, turbine is a core mechanism where a pressure steam is converted into electric energy via generator.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response attempts to summarise the diagram showing how geothermal energy is used to generate electricity, mentioning key stages such as cold water being pumped down, the geothermal zone, the production well, and the turbine. However, the description lacks a clear, well-developed overview of the entire cyclical or sequential process. Several steps are described in a disjointed or unclear manner, such as the claim that a 'tower is the layout where the electricity distributed all over the area' and confusion regarding the condenser and boiling water. While the main features are touched upon, the lack of a coherent and comprehensive summary places this performance at Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The essay is divided into short paragraphs, but the logical progression within and between paragraphs is faulty. Transitions like 'In addition' and 'Conversely' are used incorrectly or mechanically to link unrelated ideas. For instance, the second paragraph abruptly switches from the geothermal zone to the injection/production wells and then to generators without clear thematic grouping. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the overall structural organisation feels disjointed rather than naturally guided. These issues align with the Band 5 descriptors for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The student uses a mix of basic and moderately sophisticated vocabulary related to the topic, such as 'geothermal energy', 'generation', and 'condenser'. However, there are notable word choice and collocation errors throughout, including 'geothermal zone perform' (instead of performs), 'boiling water transformed', and 'pressure steam'. Additionally, the misuse of the word 'tower' for a transmission pylon demonstrates a limited and occasionally inaccurate range of vocabulary, typical of a Band 5 performance where errors occasionally impede precise meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The text contains a limited range of grammatical structures, with frequent errors in basic grammar and sentence construction. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('geothermal zone perform'), missing articles ('from the steam', 'via generator'), and awkward phrasing ('where the cold water pumped down', omitting the auxiliary verb). Complex sentence attempts often result in faulty structures and awkward punctuation. Because these frequent errors cause some difficulty for the reader, the grammar score is Band 5.0.

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