Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-08

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 diagram illustrates production of electricity through geothermal energy.

Overall, the process follows a linear, multi-stage sequence begin with cold water injected into a well and pumped up to joining the condenser. Last stages involved with turbine and generator section ,whom are responsible for production of electricity transmitted over long distance

In the initial stages, Cold water has been pumped down into the injection well ,which is further reach into geothermal zones. injection well is build with hot rocks under the 4.5km ,which has been pumped hot water in upward motion.

In the final stages, Hot water has been joined a condenser section , where water has been condensed before making the steam. These vapors have been further processed in a turbine , passing through multiple rotating blades. Consequently, generator is linked with turbine to produce electricity for consumers, which has been send over thousands of kilometers through transmission towers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the overall sequence from cold-water injection to electricity generation and include the key 4.5 km depth, the geothermal zone, condenser, turbine and generator. This gives the reader a relevant outline of the process. However, some stages are unclear or inaccurately described: the water is heated as it passes through hot rocks, then rises through the production well; it is not the injection well that contains hot rocks or pumps hot water upward. The condenser is also described as condensing water, whereas it produces steam from the hot water. The overview mentions a linear sequence but does not clearly summarise the transformation from cold water to steam and then electricity. More precise coverage of these stages would make the account more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by descriptions of the initial and final stages. Sequencing phrases such as “In the initial stages” and “In the final stages” help guide the reader through the process. However, the overview itself is difficult to follow because several stages are compressed into one sentence, and the transition from the injection well to the production well is not clearly explained. Some linking and reference choices are also awkward, as in “which has been pumped hot water in upward motion,” making it hard to identify what “which” refers to. Organise the stages in a clear step-by-step progression and use simpler, more precise links between them.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “geothermal zones,” “condenser,” “turbine,” “generator” and “transmission towers.” This shows an appropriate attempt to describe technical features rather than relying only on general terms. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “joining the condenser,” “water has been condensed before making the steam,” and “processed in a turbine.” “Rotating blades” and “consumers” add detail not shown in the diagram. Aim for precise process verbs and standard collocations, for example, water is heated by hot rocks, rises through the production well, and is converted into steam. This would improve clarity and reduce the effect of noticeable vocabulary errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a mixture of sentence forms, including a relative clause in “Cold water has been pumped down into the injection well, which…” and a result clause beginning “Consequently.” However, complex sentences are often faulty, and errors in verb forms, agreement, articles and punctuation sometimes make the process difficult to understand. Examples include “the process follows … sequence begin,” “Last stages involved,” and “generator is linked with turbine.” There are also inconsistent capital letters after commas and unnecessary spaces before punctuation. Use a consistent present simple for a process diagram, check subject–verb agreement and articles, and divide long sentences when their relationships are unclear. These changes would make your grammatical control more reliable.

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