Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-06

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 elaborates the process of formation of geothermal energy through power plant, which is used to produce electricity.

For the production of electricity, geothermal power plant take few steps. First and foremost steps indicate that cold water is pumped down to approximately 4.5 kilometers. In the next stage, water is injected well in geothermal zone which is located in hot rocks. In the addition, the well production of water will held and water pumped up to condenser.

Furthermore, the condenser convert it into steam. Consequently, steam goes through turbine which powered by steam. The generator is powered by turbine and then produces electricity.

Overall, cold water get well injected right into the geothermal zone which is in hot rocks and the production started well, water will pumped up into condenser which produces steam. Finally, the turbines get power through steam and generators produce electricity by getting the power through turbines.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the main purpose of the diagram, explaining how a geothermal power plant produces electricity. However, the coverage of the process is only partial and contains some unclear or under-developed descriptions. For instance, the phrase 'water is injected well in geothermal zone' is grammatically awkward and obscures the precise mechanical sequence of the process. While the student correctly identifies key features such as the 4.5-kilometer depth, hot rocks, the condenser, turbine, and generator, the overall explanation lacks sufficient extension and clarity in connecting the stages. To move to a higher band, the writer needs to describe all parts of the diagram more clearly and logically, ensuring that the relationships between the underground components and surface equipment are fully explained without confusing phrasing.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The text demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt to structure the process sequentially and provide an overview at the end. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the stages, utilizing transition words like 'First and foremost', 'In the next stage', 'Furthermore', and 'Consequently'. However, referencing and cohesion are sometimes faulty or mechanical, such as in the sentence 'In the addition, the well production of water will held and water pumped up to condenser', which disrupts the logical flow. Paragraphing is present, separating the introduction, body steps, and conclusion, but the progression within the body paragraphs occasionally stumbles due to awkward linking. To improve, the student should ensure smoother transitions between sentences and clearer referencing to connect the stages of the diagram more naturally.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, demonstrating an attempt to incorporate less common and topic-specific terms related to the process diagram, such as 'geothermal energy', 'condenser', 'turbine', and 'generator'. However, there are noticeable lexical inaccuracies in word choice, word form, and collocation that occasionally impede communication. Examples include 'the well production of water will held' instead of 'hot water is pumped up' and 'cold water get well injected' instead of being pumped down. Furthermore, spelling and word formation issues are present. To achieve a higher band, the student must expand their range of vocabulary and use technical terms and collocations more accurately, avoiding awkward literal translations or incorrect word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a limited range of sentence structures, relying mostly on simple sentences alongside some basic attempts at complex forms. Frequent grammatical errors are evident throughout the text, involving verb forms, tenses, passive constructions, articles, and prepositions. For example, the student writes 'First and foremost steps indicate' (plurality agreement error), 'water is injected well in geothermal zone' (missing article and preposition misuse), and 'turbines get power through steam' (simplistic phrasing where a passive structure would be more appropriate). These errors require some effort from the reader to interpret the intended meaning. To reach a higher level, the writer needs to increase control over basic grammatical patterns, reduce the frequency of errors, and employ a wider variety of accurate complex sentence structures, particularly passive voice which is essential for describing industrial processes.

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

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