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 cold water being pumped underground and ending with electricity being generated by a generator.

The process begins with cold water being pumped down 4.5 km to reach the injection well. After that, the water enters the geothermal zone, where hot rocks heat it. Next, the heated water reaches the production well. In the next stage, the hot water is pumped up and enters the condenser. Subsequently, the hot water is converted into steam.

Once the steam has been produced, it enters the turbine and causes it to rotate. The rotating turbine then powers a generator, which generates electricity. In the final stage, the electricity is transmitted through electricity poles and supplied to consumers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student successfully identifies the main stages of the geothermal energy production process, moving logically from the initial pumping of cold water down the injection well to the final generation of electricity. However, there is a minor misinterpretation in the second paragraph where the student states that the cold water is pumped down 4.5 km to 'reach the injection well' rather than 'via the injection well'. Furthermore, the response is under-length, containing only 134 words compared to the required 150-word minimum. This prevents full development and results in a penalty under the length requirement rule, restricting the score to Band 5.5.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is coherent overall with a clear logical progression from the beginning to the end of the process. The student effectively uses sequencing markers such as 'Overall', 'The process begins with', 'After that', 'Next', 'Subsequently', and 'In the final stage' to guide the reader through the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the underground/heating phase, and the surface generation phase. Referencing is generally clear, though paragraph boundaries could be slightly more balanced to enhance the overall flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical process, including terms like 'process diagram', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. There are some successful attempts at less common vocabulary such as 'subsequently' and 'transmitted'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive with frequent use of basic verbs like 'pumped' and 'enters'. Word choice is generally clear and does not impede communication, placing the response solidly in Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative and participial clauses such as 'beginning with cold water being pumped underground' and 'Once the steam has been produced, it enters the turbine'. Grammatical control is generally good, and punctuation is accurate throughout the text. The majority of sentences are error-free, reflecting a solid command of grammar for descriptive academic writing.

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

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