Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-29

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 represents the process of how the geothermal energy is used to produce electricity in large scales.

It is the cyclical process where the water is used and released. By the help of the 4.5 km deep injection well the cold water is injected downwards, where the rocks are in geothermal zone. Due to the heat from the rocks the water will be heated up and from the production well the same water will be pumped up. And in the large condenser the steam from the hot water is collected which in turn helps to rotate the turbine. The same rotating turbine powered up the generator and finally electricity is produced. This process is mostly used to produce electricity in larger scales.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The student attempts to summarise the main steps of the geothermal energy production process, mentioning the injection well, geothermal zone, production well, condenser, turbine, and generator. However, the response suffers from two major issues: first, it falls significantly short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 123 words, which incurs a direct penalty. Second, it fails to provide a clear, distinct overview paragraph that outlines the overall cyclical nature and stages of the process, which is essential for achieving a Band 6 or higher in Academic Task 1. Although the sequence of steps is generally accurate according to the diagram, the lack of an introductory overview and the under-length constraint limit the task response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The text presents a basic logical sequence, following the flow of the diagram from the injection well down to the geothermal zone and up to the surface. However, the cohesion is quite mechanical and repetitive, relying on connectors like 'And', 'The same', and 'finally'. Furthermore, the response is written as a single block of text rather than being divided into appropriate paragraphs (e.g., an introduction/overview followed by body paragraphs detailing the stages). Paragraphing is a crucial requirement for Academic Task 1 coherence and cohesion, and its complete absence here restricts the score to a Band 5.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary to describe the process, successfully incorporating terms from the diagram such as 'injection well', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. However, the range is limited, and there are awkward word choices and phrasing, such as 'in large scales' (instead of 'on a large scale') and 'By the help of' (instead of 'With the help of' or 'Through'). Less common vocabulary is attempted with limited precision. Spelling is generally accurate, but the lack of flexibility and occasional lexical inaccuracies keep the score at Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Due to the heat from the rocks the water will be heated up and from the production well the same water will be pumped up.' Grammatical control is mixed: while some sentences are clear, there are noticeable errors in article usage ('the geothermal energy', 'the cyclical process', 'the large condenser') and prepositions ('in large scales'). Punctuation is also somewhat weak, with run-on clauses that could be better punctuated. Because errors are frequent enough to cause occasional distraction while reading, a Band 5.5 is appropriate.

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

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