Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-19

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 given diagram illustrates how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity.

Firstly, the cold water is pumped 4.5 km below into the injection well where the water flows through the geothermal zone which is comprised of hot rocks. The temperature of the water rises as it moves through the region. The water then reaches the production well where the hot water is pumped upwards into a condenser machine which converts the boiling liquid into steam. The machine is attached to a turbine which rotates because of the steam. The produced vapours then in return powers the generator. The purpose of the generator is the production of electricity. The electricity is transferred to the tower which supplies it to houses.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

You identify the main sequence, from cold water entering the injection well to electricity being generated, and include the important depth of 4.5 km. However, the account is brief and does not fully report the process: the turbine is driven by steam, and the generator produces electricity, but the final claim that electricity is supplied to houses is not shown in the diagram; it connects to a transmission pylon. The overview is also missing, so the main stages are not summarised as a complete system. The response is 112 words, below the required 150; the eight words copied from the prompt are excluded from this count. To improve, add a concise overview and describe each stage accurately without adding unsupported details.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The stages are presented in a generally logical order, and sequencing expressions such as “Firstly” and “then” help the reader follow the process. The response also moves from underground water movement to the equipment at the surface. However, it is written as one paragraph, and the progression would be clearer with a separate overview followed by a paragraph describing the stages. Some links are awkward or unclear: “The produced vapours then in return powers the generator” makes the relationship between the turbine and generator harder to follow. Use straightforward links such as “Next” or “Finally,” and make each sentence’s subject explicit. This would strengthen the overall organisation while preserving the clear sequence already present.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a suitable range of process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “geothermal zone,” “production well,” “condenser,” “turbine,” and “generator.” These terms make the stages recognisable, and “pumped upwards” communicates the direction of movement. Some choices are imprecise or unnatural for this diagram. “Converts the boiling liquid into steam” is less accurate than describing the condenser as releasing steam, while “the tower” is vague for the transmission pylon. “Produced vapours” and “in return” also sound awkward in context. Aim for precise, natural collocations and avoid adding details not shown. For example, refer to “steam” consistently and call the final structure a “transmission pylon.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response includes both simple sentences and more complex clauses, as in “The temperature of the water rises as it moves through the region.” Most meanings remain clear, and the sequence is expressed using appropriate present-tense process descriptions. Some grammatical errors occur, particularly with subject–verb agreement: “The produced vapours … powers the generator” should use “power,” or be recast as “The steam powers the generator.” The phrase “then in return” is also awkwardly placed, and “where the water flows” has a slightly unclear reference. Use a wider variety of accurate passive forms, such as “water is pumped down” and “steam is produced,” and check agreement and clause references when revising.

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