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, the generator supplies electricity to the electricity poles by which it can be used by people.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The student covers all the key stages of the geothermal energy production process, from the initial cold water pumping down 4.5 km to the final electricity generation and supply. The overview is functional, stating that the process consists of several stages beginning with cold water and ending with electricity production. However, the response lacks a more sophisticated highlighting of key features and comparisons. For instance, the student states that the cold water is pumped down 4.5 km to reach the injection well, whereas the diagram shows the well itself is 4.5 km deep. Minor inaccuracies in stage sequencing also occur, such as stating the water enters the condenser before producing steam, when the condenser turns the heated water/steam mixture or vice versa. Overall, the task is adequately addressed, placing the response solidly in Band 6.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The text presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear chronological progression using sequence markers such as 'beginning with', 'After that', 'Next', 'In the next stage', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally'. However, the response is presented as a single dense paragraph rather than being divided into logical paragraphs for different stages of the process, which detracts from the overall organization. Cohesive devices are sometimes mechanical, and referencing is occasionally repetitive, such as the frequent overuse of 'The process begins with...' and 'In the final stage...'. Paragraphing and smoother integration of cohesive devices need improvement to reach a higher band.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical process, including terms like 'process diagram', 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. However, there is some awkward phrasing and repetition, such as repeating 'the application of cold water' and 'produces electricity' multiple times. Word choice is occasionally imprecise, as seen in 'entered the condenser' instead of 'enters the condenser'. While sufficient for the task, the vocabulary lacks the flexibility and precision of higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses and passive constructions such as 'where hot rocks are present' and 'which is powered by the turbine'. There are some grammatical errors and awkward structures, such as 'cold water and it is pumped down' (run-on/awkward coordination) and 'hot water is pumped up and entered the condenser' (tense inconsistency between passive voice and past tense). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but commas are occasionally omitted after introductory prepositional phrases. These errors do not impede communication, allowing the response to achieve a Band 6.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.