Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of utilization of geothermal energy for the production of electricity.

Overall the process comprises of five stages. While the initial three stages are of mechanical nature, the fourth and fifth stages require the involvement of a condenser and a generator respectively.

The process commences with the pumping of cold water into the injection well which is approximately four and a half kilometers below. subsequently the water is passed through the geothermal zone i.e. hot rocks. During this transmission the cold water, absorbs the heat from hot rocks and turns into hot water . this water then arrives at the base of the production well. Consequently, the hot water is pumped back up via the production well to a condenser.

The hot water is then converted to steam in the condenser. This steam is then used to power the turbine. Ultimately the generator is powered by the turbine producing electricity.

In conclusion the diagram illustrates the sustainable process of electricity production by means of water, geothermal rocks, a condenser, a turbine and a generator.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response covers the main stages in the correct order, from cold water being pumped down the injection well to electricity being generated by the turbine-driven generator. The overview identifies a staged process, and details such as the 4.5-kilometre depth, the geothermal zone and the conversion of hot water into steam are grounded in the diagram. This clear coverage supports the band awarded. However, the overview’s division into “five stages” is not fully explained, and calling the first three stages “mechanical” is a broad characterisation rather than a precise summary of the process. The final conclusion repeats the general idea instead of highlighting the key transformation from cold water to steam and electricity. A more informative overview would make that overall sequence explicit.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The information is arranged in a clear progression: an introduction and overview are followed by the underground stages and then the equipment that generates electricity. Sequencing expressions such as “The process commences,” “Consequently,” “then” and “Ultimately” help the reader follow the flow. Paragraphing also separates the overview from the detailed account. This is a logical and generally well-managed structure. At times, however, the linking is somewhat repetitive, particularly the repeated use of “then,” and the final “In conclusion” paragraph restates information already given rather than advancing the summary. The transition from the overview’s “five stages” to the detailed sequence could also be clearer. More varied, precise referencing and a concise ending would make cohesion less noticeable.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The response uses a sufficient range of process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “geothermal zone,” “production well,” “condenser” and “turbine,” and these terms are mostly used appropriately. Phrases such as “pumped back up” and “turns into hot water” communicate the process clearly. There is also some attempt at more formal wording, for example “utilization” and “transmission.” However, a few choices are awkward or imprecise: “process of utilization” is unnecessarily cumbersome, “during this transmission” does not naturally describe water moving through the rocks, and “mechanical nature” is vague in this context. “Sustainable” is also an unsupported characterisation of the process. Prefer direct, accurate process language and avoid formal-sounding expressions that do not fit the meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

There is a useful mix of simple and complex structures, including the overview contrast beginning “While the initial three stages…” and the sequence of passive constructions such as “is pumped back up” and “is then converted.” Most sentences communicate the intended stages clearly, showing a sound grammatical foundation. Some errors and punctuation problems remain, which is consistent with this level. For example, “comprises of” uses an unnecessary preposition; “subsequently” should begin with a capital letter after the full stop; and the sentence beginning “During this transmission” has an incorrect comma between the subject and verb (“the cold water, absorbs”). The lower-case “this” after a full stop and the spacing before punctuation in “water .” also need correction. Proofread sentence boundaries and punctuation, while retaining the range of structures already attempted.

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.