Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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 and supplied to consumers.

The process begins with cold water being pumped down 4.5 km through an injection well. The water then enters a geothermal zone, where it passes through an area containing hot rocks. As a result, the cold water is heated before reaching the production well. In the next stage, the heated water is pumped back up to the surface and enters a condenser. Here, the hot water is converted into steam.

Once the steam has been produced, it is directed into a turbine, causing the turbine to rotate. The rotating turbine then powers a generator, which generates electricity. Finally, the electricity is transmitted through electricity poles and supplied to consumers for everyday use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully summarises the main stages of the geothermal energy production process, covering all key components from pumping cold water underground to electricity generation and supply. The overview clearly highlights the beginning and end of the continuous cycle. Key features, such as the 4.5 km depth of the injection well, the geothermal zone with hot rocks, the condenser, and the turbine-generator system, are accurately reported. However, the response falls slightly short of the minimum word count requirement, containing 148 words instead of 150. While this is only a 2-word deficit, it necessitates a minor penalty under Task Achievement descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout the process. Information is sequenced chronologically and follows the visual diagram accurately. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the underground phase, and the surface generation phase. Cohesive devices such as 'The process begins with', 'The water then enters', 'In the next stage', and 'Finally' are utilized effectively to guide the reader through the cycle without becoming repetitive or mechanical.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is generally accurate and well-suited for describing a technical process. The student successfully integrates topic-specific terminology such as 'geothermal energy', 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. Less common phrases like 'causing the turbine to rotate' and 'supplied to consumers for everyday use' demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task. Word choices are precise, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student displays a good command of grammar, employing a healthy mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Passive voice constructions, which are essential for describing scientific processes, are handled accurately (e.g., 'cold water being pumped underground', 'the hot water is converted into steam'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Complex structures such as participial clauses ('causing the turbine to rotate') are used successfully with accurate punctuation.

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