Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-02

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 depicts the sequential process of how geothermal energy is used to generate electricity.

Overall, this is consist of five distinct stages, it begins with entering the cold water into the ground and culminating in the steam.

Firstly, to generate the electricity from the geothermal plant, cold water is poured inside the injection well, which is located 4.5 kilometers inside the ground, after the cold water pumped down it moves towards the descending sides, Moreover, when cold water currents through the hot rocks into the soil, which is geothermal zone, this friction turned the cold water into hot water.

Conversely, now the hot water has been pumped upwards through the production well, this water later turned into steam and

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, finishing well short at 120 words. Consequently, the task is only addressed in a minimal way. While the writer attempts to describe the initial stages of the geothermal process, the text cuts off abruptly before covering the final generation of electricity and turbine stages. This leads to major omissions in reporting the main features and a lack of a complete overview. To reach a higher level, the response must meet the word count requirement and present a fully developed description of all steps shown in the diagram from start to finish.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some basic organization present, with an introductory sentence and transition words such as 'Overall', 'Firstly', and 'Conversely' used to sequence ideas. However, the overall progression breaks down because the response is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence at the end. Paragraphing is attempted, but the mechanical and repetitive use of cohesive devices restricts the flow. To improve, the writer needs to ensure logical continuity throughout a complete text and use referencing and substitution more accurately rather than relying on repetitive formulaic connectors.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is minimally adequate to convey basic concepts related to the diagram, such as 'geothermal energy', 'cold water', and 'injection well'. However, there are noticeable lexical and word-form errors, such as 'is consist of' instead of 'consists of', and 'friction turned' which misuses collocation for physical heat transfer. The range of vocabulary is limited, and these inaccuracies reflect a restricted lexical control. To achieve a higher score, the writer should incorporate a wider variety of less common technical vocabulary with correct collocations and word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of sentence structures, relying mostly on basic forms and error-prone attempts at complex sentences. There are frequent grammatical errors, such as comma splices ('Overall, this is consist of five distinct stages, it begins with...'), incorrect verb voice ('after the cold water pumped down it moves'), and misuse of prepositions ('inside the ground' instead of 'underground'). These frequent errors can cause some difficulty for the reader. To improve, the writer needs to enhance control over basic sentence boundaries, avoid run-on sentences, and ensure accurate verb tense and voice usage.

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

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