Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-13

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 process diagram exhibits bthe complex procedures involves in the production of electricity using geothermal energy. There are 5 major steps to generate electricty which take place both in surface and underground.

To begin with, the cold water stored is pumped to 4.5 km downwards through huge pipes to reach the injection well. Then the cold water is passes into geothermal zone in the under ground which consists of hot rocks which converts the cold water to hot water. After that the hot water passes to the production well. Later the hot water is pumped upwards to the surface to reache the condenser. In the next step, the steam from the hot water moves through the pipee which connects to the turbine. Subsequetially, the turbine is rotated by the steam. Further the generator powered by the steam operates to produce electricity. Finally, electricity is passed eelectric towers through wire connections.

To sum up, electricity production from geothermal energy is a complex process consists of 5 complex stages that takes place underground.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You cover the main sequence from pumping cold water underground to generating electricity, and you include the important 4.5 km depth. However, some process details are inaccurate or unclear: the hot rocks heat the water, but the response says they “converts the cold water to hot water,” and it suggests the generator is powered by steam rather than by the turbine. The overview also calls the process “5 complex stages” and says they take place underground, although the final stages occur above ground. These inaccuracies and the limited overview mean the diagram is only partially reported. To improve, give a concise overview of the underground heating and surface electricity-generation stages, then describe each connection precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall sequence, moving from the injection well through the production well and on to the turbine and generator. Paragraphing also separates the process description from the concluding summary. Sequencing expressions such as “To begin with,” “After that,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the stages, and this shows sound organisation. However, the transitions are somewhat repetitive and mechanical, while “Later” and “In the next step” do not always clarify how one stage connects to the next. The final “To sum up” repeats the idea of complexity rather than synthesising the process. Use fewer, more varied linking devices and make the overview explain the main division between underground and surface stages.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “geothermal zone,” “production well,” “condenser,” “turbine,” and “generator,” which helps identify the components. There is also some attempt at more descriptive language, such as “powered by” and “moves through.” However, several word-choice and spelling problems reduce precision: “complex procedures” and “5 complex stages” are awkward and repetitive, while “electricty,” “pipee,” “Subsequetially,” and “eelectric” are misspelled. Phrases such as “electric towers” are also less precise than the diagram’s electricity transmission pylon. Aim for accurate technical terms and natural collocations, and proofread spelling before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including clauses such as “which consists of hot rocks” and “which connects to the turbine.” However, control is inconsistent, and errors occur in several sentence patterns. For example, “the cold water is passes” has an incorrect verb form, “which converts” does not agree with the plural “hot rocks,” and “a complex process consists of” needs a grammatical link such as “a complex process that consists of.” There are also problems with articles and prepositions, as in “in the under ground” and “to reache the condenser.” These errors sometimes make relationships between stages harder to understand. Practise accurate passive forms and relative clauses, then check subject–verb agreement and sentence boundaries.

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