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 zones 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 the production of electricity. Moreover, the generator is a key component to produce electricity from the steam. It comprises a turbine that could power it. Conversely, the tower is a layout where the electricity is 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 boiling water transforms 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 | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response attempts to summarise the diagram showing how geothermal energy produces electricity, meeting the minimum word count with 160 words. However, the task achievement is limited by a lack of a clear, comprehensive overview and disjointed reporting of the process steps. While the writer mentions some key components such as the injection well, production well, condenser, turbine, and generator, the sequence of the process is confused and inaccurate in places. For example, the text states that the condenser transforms boiling water into steam, whereas the diagram shows the condenser following the production well before steam reaches the turbine. Additionally, important details like the 4.5 km depth are mentioned, but overall the progression and relationships between the stages are poorly articulated, placing the response in Band 5.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The essay is divided into four short paragraphs, which gives a basic structural framework, but overall coherence and progression are weak. The introductory overview is fragmented and fails to clearly outline the main stages of the process. Cohesive devices are used mechanically or inappropriately, such as 'In addition', 'Conversely', and 'On the other hand', which do not accurately signal the logical relationships between process steps. Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the mechanical sequence of the cycle is disrupted by poor paragraphing and abrupt transitions between ideas. Consequently, the organization lacks a clear overall progression, warranting a Band 5 score.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, with domain-specific terms correctly lifted or adapted from the prompt, such as 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'production well', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. However, the range is limited and repetition occurs (e.g., 'produce electricity', 'generation/generator'). There are noticeable word choice and collocation issues, such as 'the tower is a layout where the electricity is distributed' and awkward phrasing like 'perform a crucial role in converting cold water'. While communication is not severely hindered, the restricted range and occasional inappropriate lexical choices place this response at Band 5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response displays a mix of simple and attempted complex sentence structures. However, grammatical accuracy is low, with frequent errors that cause difficulty for the reader. Examples include fragment sentences and awkward phrasing such as 'where the cold water pumped down into injection well' (missing auxiliary verb) and 'Subsequently the setup where boiling water transforms into steam inside the condenser' (incomplete clause structure). Punctuation and article usage are also inconsistent throughout the text. Because attempts at complex structures are frequently faulty and errors persist across most sentences, a score of 5.0 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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