Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-10

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 6.5)

The figure demonstartes the process of electricity generation in a geothermal power plant. Overall, the prcess shows how cold water is converted into hot water and then into the steam to run the turbine and the generator, which transmits electricity.

Cold water from the surface level is pumped down to the depth of about 4.5 km. After reaching the injection well, this cold water is passed through hot rocks of the geathermal zone which changes the temperature of the water and leads toward the production well.

The production well recieves hot water, which is pumped up to reach the condensor. The hot water is condensed into steam which is required for running the turbine. When steam reaches turbine it starts running, followed by the operating of the generator. Once the generator is working, it starts producing electricity. This electricity is then transmitted into the electrcity tower which is linked with the generator.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You identify the main sequence accurately: cold water is pumped down, heated by the hot rocks, returned to the surface, and used to generate electricity. The overview also captures the central transformation and the roles of the turbine and generator. The depth of about 4.5 km is correctly included. However, some stages are not fully or precisely explained. In particular, the condenser is described as if it condenses hot water into steam; the diagram shows hot water reaching the condenser, where steam is released. The final reference to an “electricity tower” is also imprecise: electricity is transmitted through power lines to a pylon. More exact descriptions of these components would make the account more complete and precise.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response is organised in a clear sequence, moving from the overview to the underground process and then to the surface equipment and electricity transmission. This progression makes the process easy to follow, and linking phrases such as “After reaching,” “When steam reaches,” and “Once the generator is working” help signal the order of events. Paragraphing is appropriate, with the overview separated from the detailed stages. Some links are slightly repetitive, particularly the repeated use of “which” and the succession of “Once” and “then” relationships. You could make cohesion more flexible by grouping the stages into clearer phases—for example, water circulation and electricity generation—and using concise references such as “this heated water” where the meaning remains clear.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “production well,” “geothermal zone,” “turbine,” and “generator,” which allows you to describe the main components. There is also some useful variation in phrases such as “pumped down,” “pumped up,” and “transmitted.” However, spelling errors are noticeable, including “demonstartes,” “prcess,” “geathermal,” “recieves,” “condensor,” and “electrcity.” Some word choices are also imprecise: “electricity tower” does not accurately name the transmission pylon, and “the operating of the generator” is an awkward expression. Aim for accurate technical terms and check spelling carefully; this will make your otherwise understandable description more precise and natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including a relative clause in “hot rocks … which changes the temperature” and time clauses beginning “When” and “Once.” Most relationships between stages remain understandable, and the sequence is expressed with generally appropriate present-tense forms. Some grammatical issues persist. In “When steam reaches turbine,” the article is missing; “reaches the turbine” is needed. The phrase “followed by the operating of the generator” has an awkward grammatical construction, and “which transmits electricity” has an unclear reference because it appears to refer to the generator rather than the plant. Review articles and make sure pronouns and relative clauses clearly refer to the intended component. Greater control of these details would strengthen the range already demonstrated.

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