Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram illustrates the process involved in production of electricity by geothermal energy.

Overall, the electricity is produced in five major steps which occur in linear path, starting from cold water and ending with electricity transmitted by electric poles.

Initially, cold water is stored in structures at the surface of the earth. The water is pumped downwards below the earth's crust into the injection well. Pipes are fitted horizontally parallel to each other over hot rocks. This area is known as geothermal zone. The water is injected through these pipes and water gets heated along the pathway.

On the other end, pipes are connected to production well where water is removed. It is a vertical column which opens towards a structure containing condenser. When the hot water is pumped up towards it, the steam passes towards a turbine wing connecting the condenser. The turbine is powered by steam which produces energy. The energy is passed through the generator to produce electricity. Wires carry the electricity to electric transmitter from where it is passed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the main purpose of the task by outlining how geothermal energy generates electricity, presenting an overview and detailing the major steps from cold water storage to transmission. However, the task is only partially addressed in terms of depth and key data inclusion. For instance, the crucial detail regarding the depth of the injection well (4.5 km) is completely omitted, and some features of the process are under-developed or described with mechanical simplicity. While the student identifies the core stages such as pumping water down, passing through the hot rocks, and using the condenser, turbine, and generator, the explanation lacks the extended and fully supported reporting expected at higher bands. To improve, the student should ensure all prominent data points and numerical figures provided in the diagram are accurately integrated into the summary.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt at logical progression, moving step-by-step from the initial cold water stage to the final electricity transmission. The writing is divided into logical paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview sentence, and body paragraphs explaining the sequence. Cohesive devices are used, though referencing is sometimes faulty or mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'the water' and simple transitional links like 'On the other end'. Paragraphing is utilized, though fully realizing the next band would require more sophisticated and flexible cohesive ties, as well as smoother logical transitions between the underground thermal zone and the surface generation phase, making the connections between sentences feel less repetitive.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

An adequate range of vocabulary is deployed to accomplish the task, attempting less common terms such as 'crust', 'geothermal zone', 'condenser', and 'transmission'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and word form that prevent a higher score. For example, writing 'in linear path' lacks a necessary article, 'electric transmitter' is a slight misnomer for an electricity transmission pylon or power lines, and 'production well where water is removed' contains imprecise phrasing. Despite these occasional vocabulary and word-choice errors, meaning is successfully communicated throughout, and spelling remains accurate across the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writing exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a foundational control of grammar. Complex structures are attempted, such as 'When the hot water is pumped up towards it, the steam passes towards a turbine wing connecting the condenser.' There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, particularly with article usage and prepositions, such as 'in production of electricity' instead of 'in the production', and 'flow in linear path'. Punctuation and verb agreements are generally handled well, and while errors persist, they are minor enough that they rarely impede communication. Incorporating a wider variety of error-free complex structures would elevate this criterion.

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