Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-30

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)

This line diagram illustrates the multi-step process involved in generating electricity using geothermal energy.

Overall, it is a continuous, cyclic process consisting of five main stages, pumping with cold water underground and culminating in the distribution of generated electricity to the grid.

In the initial stage, cold water is pumped down approximately 4.5km into the earth's crust to reach the geothermal zone, where the underground rocks are extremely hot. As the cold water flows through these hot rocks, it absorbs heat energy and warms up.

In the third stage, the heated water pumped back up towards the surface into the condenser unit, where it transforms into high-pressure stem. In following stage, stem is directed into turbines, causing its blades to rotate. These rotational movement powers a generator attached to turbine, which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. In final stage, produced electricity is transmitted via power lines to the national grid for distribution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student provides a generally accurate summary of the diagram, identifying the main stages from pumping cold water underground to generating electricity. The overview is clear and outlines the cyclic nature of the process. However, the response refers to the diagram as a 'line diagram' rather than a process diagram or flow chart, and there are some minor omissions regarding the exact return mechanism of the hot water and steam separation. Despite these small flaws, all key parts of the task are addressed, and the progression is easy to follow, making it a solid performance that fits the band 7 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text is logically organised into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological sequence of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'In the initial stage', 'As the cold water flows', and 'In final stage' are used to guide the reader through the steps. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and the progression of ideas is clear throughout. Although referencing is mostly effective, a few transitional links feel slightly mechanical, but overall cohesion is well managed.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, using terms such as 'geothermal zone', 'earth's crust', 'absorbs heat energy', and 'kinetic energy'. There are some minor lexical and typographical errors, such as 'stem' instead of 'steam' and 'These rotational movement' (plural/singular agreement), as well as missing articles ('In final stage'). Nevertheless, the vocabulary is adequate to convey the technical process clearly, aligning well with band 6 or 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writing features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and participial phrases (e.g., 'causing its blades to rotate', 'which converts kinetic energy'). There are several noticeable grammatical errors, particularly missing articles ('into condenser unit', 'In final stage') and agreement issues ('These rotational movement powers'). However, these errors do not impede communication, and the sentence structures demonstrate a reasonable level of control.

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

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