Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The given process diagram depicts the production of electricity using geothermal energy. Overall, the process consists of several stages, beginning with the application of cold water and then ending with how electricity is produced by using generators and turbines. The process begins with the application of cold water and it is pumped down 4.5 km to reach the injection well. After that there is the geothermal zone where hot rocks are present and due to this cold water becomes hot. Next the water reaches the production well. In the next stage, the hot water is pumped up and entered the condenser. Subsequently, the water in the condenser produces steam. Once the steam has been produced it enters the turbine and then rotates inside it. Finally, the generator produces electricity which is powered by the turbine. In the final stage, electricity is generated by the generator and the generator supplies electricity to the electricity poles by which it can be used by people.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by summarising the main stages of the geothermal energy production process. Key features such as the 4.5 km depth, cold water injection, geothermal zone, production well, condenser, turbine, and generator are all correctly identified and reported in sequence. The overview clearly highlights the start and end of the process. While the response is relatively straightforward and lacks deeper comparative analysis, it satisfies the requirements of Task 1 adequately, covering all essential steps depicted in the diagram without introducing significant inaccuracies.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall progression that follows the chronological sequence of the diagram. The student uses basic cohesive devices appropriately to link the stages, such as 'Beginning with', 'After that', 'Next', 'In the next stage', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally'. However, paragraphing is absent, as the entire response is written as a single block of text. Additionally, there is some minor repetition in how sentences are linked and initiated, which gives the cohesion a slightly mechanical feel.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms from the diagram such as 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. However, the range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, and there is noticeable repetition of basic phrases like 'the process begins with' and 'cold water'. Word choice is mostly accurate, though phrasing can occasionally be overly simplistic for an Academic Task 1 response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, using relative clauses and passive constructions such as 'cold water is pumped down' and 'electricity is generated by the generator'. There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, notably 'entered the condenser' instead of 'enters the condenser' and a slightly run-on sentence structure in the conclusion. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the fundamental meaning remains clear throughout.

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

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