Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-21

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 illustrates how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity.

Overall, the geothermal power plant consists fiver stages, whereas it started from Cold water through injection well and passes from geaothermal zone with hot rocks and generate power with hepl of turbine.

To begin with, the cold water pumped down at 4.5 km and injected well, whereas it had been passes through Geothermal zone which was situated at underground with hot rocks. In third stage, the distance between injection well and porduction well was around 3.5km, int that process the cold converted into hot water, due to hot rocks and it went out through the production well. Subsequently, in condenser water had been steam because of hot water.

In fifth stage, the steam which prepared from hot water that enters into turbines, whereas turbine start circulation with help of steam. Finally, that powered by turbine and produced electricity from generator in electricity poll.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the process and give a basic account of its main sequence, from cold water entering the injection well to electricity being generated. However, the overview is unclear and does not accurately summarise the key transformation and equipment: “consists fiver stages” is followed by a difficult-to-follow description. Some details are inaccurate or invented, particularly the claim that the distance between the wells is around 3.5 km; the diagram gives a depth of 4.5 km for the injection well, not a distance between wells. The account also misdescribes the condenser as turning water into steam without clearly explaining the stages. The response is 147 words, below the 150-word minimum. Develop a clearer overview and report only supported details.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and a chronological description, with “To begin with,” “In third stage,” “Subsequently,” and “Finally” guiding the reader through the process. This gives some organisation, but progression is weakened by unclear links and inaccurate or awkward use of connectors. For example, “whereas” is used to join steps that are not contrasting, and the overview combines several stages in one sentence without clear relationships. The final paragraph also repeats the idea of steam powering the turbine before reaching the generator. Use shorter, clearly linked sentences and consistent stage references, and make each paragraph’s purpose distinct.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “production well,” “geothermal zone,” “condenser,” “turbine,” and “generator,” which helps identify the equipment. However, the range and control are limited, and several spelling and word-choice errors make parts difficult to understand: “geaothermal,” “porduction,” “hepl,” and “electricity poll.” Phrases such as “turbine start circulation” and “steam which prepared from hot water” are also unnatural or imprecise. Aim for accurate process collocations and avoid repeating “hot water” and “steam” without clarifying their role. Proofreading technical terms and choosing precise verbs would make the description clearer.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, and the sequence is generally expressed in the present tense. However, complex constructions are often faulty, and frequent errors affect clarity. Examples include “consists fiver stages,” “it had been passes,” and “turbine start circulation,” where verb forms, agreement, or sentence structure are incorrect. Articles and prepositions are also often missing or misplaced, as in “at underground” and “in condenser.” The sentence beginning “In third stage” contains several ideas joined without a clear grammatical structure. Practise forming accurate present-simple passive clauses, such as “Cold water is pumped down the injection well,” and check subject–verb agreement and articles in each sentence.

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