Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-27
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 illustrates the main stages involved in the production of geothermal energy.
Overall, the production of energy is cyclic. It starts from pumping cold water deep down into hot rocks to produce hot water that is raised up to finally produce steam which runs turbine inorder to produce electricity.
The process commences with pumping hot water to a depth of 4.5 km through the injection well.This water reached down to geothermal zone where it converts into hot water. This water is pulled up by means of production well, which carries the hot water from underground level to ground
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0
The response is significantly under-length, containing only 99 words compared to the required 150 words. Because of this severe under-length penalty, the task cannot be fully addressed. While the introduction correctly states the purpose of the diagram, and the writer attempts to outline the initial steps such as pumping cold water to a depth of 4.5 km through the injection well, the text cuts off abruptly before covering the condenser, steam generation, turbine, and generator stages. Consequently, major features and comparisons are omitted. To improve, the student must ensure all stages of the process diagram are described in detail to meet the word count minimum.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The text begins with a clear introductory sentence and a brief overview stating that the process is cyclic. However, due to the very short length (only 99 words), paragraphing is underdeveloped, and the text ends abruptly in the middle of describing the third stage. Cohesive devices are used minimally (e.g., Overall, The process commences with), but the lack of progression and incomplete nature of the response prevent a higher score. For higher bands, the writer needs to logically sequence all steps of the diagram across distinct, well-linked paragraphs.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary for describing a process, successfully utilizing terms such as 'production of geothermal energy', 'cyclic', 'injection well', and 'geothermal zone'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'pumping hot water' in the third sentence when the diagram indicates cold water is pumped down, and 'This water reached down' (grammatical/lexical slip). The range is limited due to the short text length. To enhance lexical resource, the student should incorporate more precise, less common lexical items related to engineering and energy production.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response shows an attempt at complex structures, such as relative clauses ('which carries the hot water from underground level to ground'). However, there are notable grammatical errors and punctuation issues, such as missing spaces after periods (e.g., 'injection well.This water reached down'), incorrect verb forms ('This water reached down' instead of reaches), and missing articles or prepositions ('from underground level to ground'). The limited length restricts the variety of grammatical structures demonstrated. To improve, the student should focus on accurate sentence construction, punctuation, and tense consistency when describing a continuous process.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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