Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The diagram illustrates the various stages involved in the production of electricity using geothermal energy.
Overall, the process starts with cold water being pumped downwards and ends with electricity being produced. The process involves the various stages such as pumping of cold water, the injection well, the production well, condenser, and turbine and generator.
Starting with the initial stages, cold water is being used. This water is pumped 4.5 km downwards before reaching the injection well. After reaching the injection well, the water passes through the geothermal zone which is the hot rocks, to reach the production well located at the other end. The water becomes hot as it reaches the production well. Once, the water reaches to the well, it is pumped upwards to reach the condenser.
In the remaining stages, the steam produced in condenser is passed to the next stage. The turbine rotates with the help of steam, which further powers the generator. The generator is powered by turbine and electricity is being produced. The electricity is then transmitted to a pole.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the geothermal energy production process. An overview is provided, noting the start and end points of the cycle alongside the key stages. The response accurately details the sequence from cold water being pumped 4.5 km underground, passing through the geothermal zone, and returning to the surface via the production well before reaching the condenser, turbine, and generator. The main features and comparisons where relevant are adequately covered. However, the overview could be slightly more synthesised, and minor details such as the condenser releasing steam are slightly conflated in terms of exact structural flow, but overall Task Achievement is well met at a Band 6.5 level.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The text exhibits a coherent overall arrangement with logical sequencing of the process stages. The writer uses sequential markers such as 'Overall', 'Starting with the initial stages', and 'In the remaining stages' to guide the reader through the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the introduction, overview, initial stages, and remaining stages. Cohesive devices are generally well managed, though referencing is occasionally repetitive (e.g., 'The process involves the various stages such as...'). Paragraphs flow logically from one stage of the diagram to the next, maintaining clear progression throughout.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a process diagram, using terms such as 'geothermal zone', 'injection well', 'production well', 'condenser', and 'generator'. However, the lexical range is somewhat limited and repetitive, with frequent reliance on basic phrasing (e.g., 'the water passes through', 'reaches the production well'). There are some minor word-choice and collocation awkwardness, such as 'Once, the water reaches to the well' (unnecessary comma and incorrect preposition use with reach). Despite these minor errors, communication is not impeded, fulfilling the requirements for Band 6.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The student employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including passive structures (e.g., 'cold water is being pumped', 'electricity is being produced'). There are several grammatical inaccuracies and awkward structures, such as 'Once, the water reaches to the well' and 'the steam produced in condenser is passed' (missing article before condenser). Additionally, the continuous passive forms ('is being used', 'is being produced') are slightly unnatural for describing standard structural steps in a continuous cycle diagram. However, the errors do not impede communication, and simple sentences are generally controlled.
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