Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
The diagram depicts the usage of geothermal energy to generate electricity.
Overall, it is clear that geothermal zones performs 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. Moreover, generator is the key component to produce electricity from the steam. It comprises a 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 pressurized steam is converted into electric energy via generator.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The response covers the main steps of the geothermal energy production process, successfully identifying key stages such as cold water being pumped down the 4.5 km injection well, heated in the geothermal zone, and returned through the production well to power a turbine and generator. An overview is attempted in the second paragraph, though it is slightly repetitive. While the overall process is communicated, some descriptions are vague or lack precision, such as 'Conversely, tower is the layout where the electricity distributed all over the area', which misinterprets the transmission pylon. Overall, all parts of the task are addressed, earning a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The text is organized into paragraphs with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs detailing the stages. However, logical progression is occasionally disrupted by awkward transitions and mechanical cohesive devices like 'Moreover' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly in the third paragraph where pronoun use and subject-verb agreement issues obscure how ideas link together. Paragraphing is present, but internal cohesion needs refinement to ensure seamless flow from one stage of the process to the next. This performance fits the Band 5.5 to 6.0 descriptors, aligning best with a Band 6.0 for clear overall arrangement despite mechanical faults.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, incorporating topic-specific terms like 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'production well', 'condenser', and 'generator'. However, there are notable word choice and collocation errors, such as 'geothermal zones performs' (subject-verb agreement), 'production of electricity' missing an article, and calling the transmission pylon a 'tower is the layout where the electricity distributed'. Attempts at less common vocabulary result in inaccuracies. Lexical range is limited but minimally adequate to convey the core process, corresponding to a Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The essay attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but grammatical accuracy is weak throughout. There are frequent errors in verb forms, articles, and sentence construction, such as 'there is a 4.5km straight portion where the cold water pumped down' (missing auxiliary verb) and 'a boiling water transformed' (incorrect article usage and passive structure). Punctuation and spacing issues are also present, as seen in extra spaces around words and commas. These frequent errors can occasionally cause difficulty for the reader, placing the response firmly at Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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