Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-04

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)

This picture shows that how to produce electricity by using geothermal method.

Overall, in this whole process the cold water change there temperature in to hot water which produces large amount of steam ,and this steam powered turbine and generates the electricity.This whole process is called geothermal energy.

Geothermal power plant are divided in to five major parts.Firstly cold water pumped down in to deep tunnel which is approximate 4.5km down.

Then water goes to geothermal zone called (hot rocks ) after this process water changes there temperature in to hot water and pumped up throught tunnel.

In forth step the hot water goes through condenser and produces large amount of steam. The final step is that large amount of steam powered the turbine which rotates fastly and there were also a generator which powered by turbine and produce electricity. This whole process is called geothermal energy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the main components of the process diagram, presenting an overview and outlining the stages from cold water injection to electricity generation, including the depth of 4.5km and the role of the turbine and generator. However, the explanation remains somewhat limited and mechanical, with certain steps described too simply without sufficient extension or detail. Furthermore, the response falls short of the minimum 150-word requirement, totaling 147 words, which restricts the depth of coverage. To reach higher bands, the writer must ensure the word count is fully met and provide a more comprehensive, well-developed description of the stages and their interactions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some basic organisation evident through the use of paragraphing and transitional markers such as 'Overall', 'Firstly', and 'Then', which helps structure the text. However, overall progression is hindered by repetitive phrasing and inadequate or mechanical cohesive devices, such as repeating 'This whole process is called geothermal energy' multiple times. Paragraphing is attempted, but transitions between ideas lack smoothness. To improve, the writer needs to employ a wider and more accurate range of cohesive devices to link ideas fluidly and ensure each paragraph contributes to a clear, progressive narrative without unnecessary repetition.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is limited and minimally adequate for the task, relying on basic terms such as 'cold water', 'hot water', 'deep tunnel', and 'large amount of steam'. There are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word formations, such as 'geothermal method' instead of 'geothermal energy', 'change there temperature' instead of 'change their temperature', and 'fastly' instead of 'quickly' or 'rapidly'. These errors reflect a restricted range of vocabulary. To progress, the writer should incorporate less common lexical items, improve precision in word choice and collocation, and ensure correct word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of sentence structures, relying mostly on simple sentences with frequent errors when attempting more complex formations. Examples of grammatical inaccuracies include 'This picture shows that how to produce' (unnecessary 'that'), 'cold water change there temperature' (subject-verb agreement error and incorrect possessive pronoun), 'Geothermal power plant are divided' (pluralisation error), and 'steam powered the turbine' (tense/form issue). Punctuation and article usage also show frequent lapses. To achieve a higher band, the writer must demonstrate better control over basic grammatical structures, improve verb forms, and reduce the frequency of errors that disrupt readability.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.