Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-11

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 shows us a picture of how a geothermal power plant works. We can see how cold water is pumped down using a the injection well to the geothermal zone were hot rocks heat up the water and pass it towards the productiion well.from there the water is pumped upwards to the condensor chamber where it is converted into steam. The steam then passes through the turbine which rotates and powers the generator which in return produces electricity. The genereator is connected to the pole which distributes the electricity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You identify the main process accurately: cold water is sent underground, heated by hot rocks, returned to the surface, converted to steam, and used to drive a turbine and generator. This gives the reader the basic sequence, but the response is very brief and does not provide a clear overview or enough detail to fully summarise the diagram. For example, it omits the 4.5 km depth and does not explain the roles of the injection and production wells beyond naming them. The task’s minimum length is not met, which contributes to the limited coverage. To improve, add an overview of the transformation from cold water to electricity, then describe the stages and key components more fully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The process is presented in a generally logical order, from water being pumped underground through to electricity production. Linking expressions such as “from there” and “then” help show the sequence, and the reader can follow the main stages. However, the response is a single, densely packed paragraph, with several stages joined together rather than clearly separated. The transition “which in return” is also not a natural way to connect the generator to its output. Organise the response into a brief introduction and overview followed by a process paragraph, and use clear sequencing language such as “first,” “after passing through,” and “finally.” This would make the progression easier to follow without overloading sentences.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “geothermal zone,” “steam,” “turbine,” and “generator,” so the basic subject is clear. There is some useful variation in describing movement and transformation, such as “pumped down,” “pumped upwards,” and “converted into steam.” However, the range is limited by repeated general wording, and several spelling errors—“productiion,” “condensor,” and “genereator”—reduce accuracy. Some expressions are also imprecise: “picture of how” is less suitable for a formal report, while “pole” does not clearly identify the electricity transmission pylon. Use more precise process terms and check spelling carefully; for example, describe water as being heated and then carried to the surface.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response includes a mix of simple and more developed sentence structures, and the sequence is mostly understandable. For instance, the opening sentence introduces the diagram, while the later clauses connect the turbine, generator, and electricity output. However, some grammatical and punctuation errors remain. In “using a the injection well,” the article is duplicated, and “where hot rocks heat up the water and pass it” has an unclear subject: the water, rather than the rocks, passes towards the next well. The sentence beginning “from there” is incorrectly joined to the preceding sentence with a full stop missing, and capitalisation after that point is also needed. Use shorter, correctly punctuated sentences and check that each pronoun and verb has a clear subject.

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.