Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-22

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 phenomenon provides us with information about how a geothermal energy is producedby water. Overall, geothermal power plant beggining with pumping cold water and ending on the production of electricity.

First of all, this process starts from the pumping of cold water into the ground in a depth of approximately 4.5 Km. Than the cold water passes from geothermal zone and turned into hot water by Earth's natural heat. In the third stage, the hot water is agin pumped inti the surface by another pipe. The following step is that, this water enters in a condenser and converted into steam. The next and the last step of this process is that, this steam is entered into a turbine and causes it to rotate. Finally, theturbine powers a generator, which produces electricity. At last, the electricity is transmitted through power lines for use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main sequence, from cold water being pumped underground to electricity being generated, and include the important depth of approximately 4.5 km. The description of water heating in the geothermal zone and returning to the surface is also relevant. However, the overview is brief and does not clearly summarise the plant’s key transformation stages; the condenser’s role in producing steam and the turbine’s role in driving the generator could be stated more precisely. The response also falls seven words short of the required minimum, which limits the opportunity to report the process fully. Add a little more detail about how steam powers the turbine and how the generator supplies electricity, while keeping the account factual.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The stages are presented in a generally understandable order, and sequencing phrases such as “First of all,” “In the third stage,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the process. However, the response is written as one paragraph, so the overview and the detailed stages are not clearly separated. Some transitions are repetitive or awkward: “The next and the last step” is followed by “Finally” and then “At last,” which makes the ending feel over-signposted. There are also unclear links in phrases such as “this water” and “this steam,” although the referents can usually be inferred. Use a short overview paragraph followed by a process paragraph, and rely on fewer, more precise linking expressions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “geothermal zone,” “condenser,” “steam,” “turbine,” and “generator,” which allows the reader to understand the main equipment and stages. However, the range of process language is limited, and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate, such as “a geothermal energy,” “production of electricity,” and “the steam is entered into a turbine.” Spelling errors, including “beggining,” “Than,” and “agin,” are noticeable and reduce the accuracy of the description. Aim for more natural technical phrasing, for example, “geothermal energy is generated,” “water is converted into steam,” and “steam flows through a turbine.” Proofreading would also help remove spelling slips.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts some longer sentence forms, including “Finally, the turbine powers a generator, which produces electricity,” and the sequence is mostly understandable. However, grammatical control is inconsistent, with frequent errors in verb forms, articles, and sentence construction. For example, “Overall, geothermal power plant beggining” lacks a correctly formed verb and article, while “the cold water passes … and turned into hot water” does not maintain parallel verb forms. In “this water enters in a condenser and converted into steam,” the second verb also needs a passive form. Use consistent present simple or passive constructions to describe the process, and check articles and prepositions. More accurate simple sentences would improve clarity before adding complex structures.

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