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)

This diagram illustrates that how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity. Overall, there are five steps involves in the generation of electricity through the geothermal power plant . Firstly, the cold water which is filled in tank pumped down through pipe-which 4.5km long. After that, the injection well and then cold water reach into the geothermal zone ( Hot Rocks)-that converts the cold water into the hot water. Third step, is a the production well which pumped up the hot water through the pipe. In the forth step, the condenser- contain the tank with convert the hot water into the steam. finally, these steam enter into the area where a turbine is powdered by steam, and generator is powered by turbine and produces electricity. lastly, generator is connected by the transformer which supply the electricity to the homes and others workplaces.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main stages, from cold water being sent underground to steam driving a turbine and generator, and you include the 4.5 km depth. However, the overview is limited to saying there are five steps rather than summarising the key transformation and outcome. Some details are inaccurate: the geothermal zone heats the water, but the condenser is described as converting hot water into steam; the diagram shows steam being released there. The final claim that a transformer supplies homes and workplaces is not supported by the visual, which shows a connection to a transmission pylon. The response is also 134 words, below the 150-word minimum, so the process is not developed sufficiently.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The stages are presented in a broadly chronological order, and sequencing expressions such as “Firstly,” “After that,” and “In the forth step” help the reader follow the process. However, the response is one continuous paragraph, and the progression becomes difficult to track because several stages are joined with dashes or run together. “After that, the injection well and then cold water reach…” is especially unclear about the relationship between the well and the water. The repeated “finally” and “lastly” also make the sequence feel mechanical, while “Third step” interrupts the sentence structure. Use a separate overview and process paragraph, and connect each stage with clear, accurate transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “geothermal zone,” “condenser,” “turbine,” and “generator,” which makes the subject recognisable. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate, reducing precision. For example, “the condenser contain the tank with convert” does not clearly describe the equipment’s function, and “powered by steam” is repeated without much variation. “Transformer” is also not an appropriate label for the connection shown in the diagram. Aim for precise process verbs such as “heat,” “pump,” “release,” and “drive,” and use “transmission pylon” for the structure shown. Check spelling and word forms, including “fourth” and “powered.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts some longer structures, including a relative clause in “the cold water which is filled in tank,” but control is inconsistent and many sentences contain errors. Examples include “there are five steps involves,” “cold water reach,” and “the production well which pumped up the hot water,” where agreement or verb forms are faulty. Articles and sentence construction are also problematic in “Third step, is a the production well” and “the condenser- contain the tank with convert.” These errors sometimes make the sequence or meaning difficult to follow. Use a consistent present simple for process descriptions, check subject–verb agreement, and build each stage as a complete sentence. More accurate simple sentences would be preferable to complex structures that are not yet controlled.

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