Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-03

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 5.5)

the given diagram represents that how the mechanism of producing electricity by geothermal energy works.

first of all in geothermal power plant cold water is stored. Then cold water is pumped down into the injection well and after crossing geothermal zone which is also known as hot rocks this cold water converts into hot water and through production well it is pumped up towards condenser.

in the next step hot water is converted into steam inside condenser and it is pushed towards turbine. Now the actual machenical work starts here , the turbine is powered by steam which produce electric current beceause when steam enters into turbine as a result turbine starts spinning with an extreme speed and this action produce large number of tarque which is shifted to generater and it convert it into electricity.

it is later transfered to large power houses in the cities through highly powered transmission lines. and as a result electricity is provided to each city in the country.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the task by outlining the main steps in the geothermal energy production process, successfully meeting the minimum word count. However, the performance is limited by mechanical recounting rather than a well-synthesized overview. Some key features from the diagram, such as the 4.5 km depth and the specific structural labels like the injection and production wells, are partially omitted or described in a very basic manner. Furthermore, the final paragraph introduces details about 'large power houses in the cities' and city-wide electricity provision that go beyond the visual data provided, showing a tendency to stray into unsupported generalisation. To reach a higher band, the response needs to present a clearer overall overview of the process and select and report the core mechanical stages without adding external information.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a recognizable progression from the initial pumping of cold water down the well to the final generation of electricity. Paragraphing is attempted, though the division could be managed more appropriately, as some ideas are clustered together without clean breaks. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'first of all', 'Then', and 'in the next step', but referencing and linking can occasionally feel mechanical or repetitive. Pronoun referencing is generally clear, but smoother transitions between the sub-processes of heating, condensation, and turbine operation would enhance the logical flow. Improving the flexibility of cohesive devices and organizing the process into balanced, logical paragraphs would elevate this area.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the diagram, but it remains limited in range and precision. There are noticeable lexical errors and inappropriate word choices, such as spelling mistakes ('machenical', 'beceause', 'tarque', 'generater', 'transfered') and awkward collocations like 'large number of tarque'. While the student attempts less common vocabulary related to the engineering process, the persistent inaccuracies in spelling and word form occasionally impede smooth communication. To improve lexical resource, the writer should focus on expanding the range of technical terms, ensuring correct spelling, and using precise word forms in process descriptions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but attempts at complex structures are frequently marred by punctuation and structural errors. For instance, run-on sentences and comma splices appear, such as in the description of the turbine where multiple clauses are joined without adequate punctuation. There are also issues with capitalization at the beginning of sentences and missing articles. While these errors do not completely obscure the overall meaning of the process, they occur with enough frequency to cause difficulty for the reader. To achieve a higher band, the writer needs to exercise greater control over sentence boundaries, ensure correct capitalization and punctuation, and refine complex grammatical structures.

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

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