Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-30

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 shows the complete cycle of how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity. The first step is injection well which is approximately 4.5km deep and has a hole. Through the hole, cold water is poured. In the second phase, the water flows straight and goes through hot rocks and the cycle is called thermal zone. In the later phase, which is third phase known as condensor, hot water is pumped up to condenser. Thereafter, On fourth phase, condenser changes the water's liquid shape into gas as a result steam is produced. Then, in its fifth phase, known as turbine,steam circulates in a turbine, and then goes to a generator. Generator is the last phase which produces electricity and electricity is facilitated to public through transforms. Overall, the production to electricity goes through five phases, which include the injection well, the production well, condeser, turbine, and the last is generator.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the process as a cycle and mention several key stages, including water being heated by hot rocks, steam powering a turbine, and electricity being generated. However, some stages are misidentified or unclear: the injection well is described as the first phase, while the production well is not clearly presented as a separate stage that pumps hot water upward. The overview also says there are five phases, but the sequence is not accurately summarised. The final reference to electricity being supplied through “transforms” is not supported by the diagram, which shows transmission lines and a pylon. The response is 143 words, below the 150-word minimum. To improve, describe the stages in their correct order and include a concise, accurate overview.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable sequence, signalled by phrases such as “In the second phase,” “Thereafter,” and “Then,” so the reader can follow the general movement from water to electricity. However, the progression is weakened by inconsistent stage numbering: the production well is called the third phase, then the condenser is called the fourth, although the earlier description has already introduced the condenser. The overview is placed at the end and repeats the list rather than clearly summarising the process. Some links are also mechanical, and the long final sequence would be easier to follow if divided into paragraphs. Organise the response into an introduction and overview, followed by a step-by-step description using consistent references to each component.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant process vocabulary, including “injection well,” “hot rocks,” “steam,” “turbine,” and “generator,” which helps communicate the topic. There is also an attempt to vary wording with phrases such as “is produced” and “circulates.” However, several choices are inaccurate or unnatural for this diagram: “the cycle is called thermal zone” misuses the label “geothermal zone,” “liquid shape into gas” is imprecise, and “electricity is facilitated to public through transforms” does not describe the pictured transmission system. Spelling errors such as “condensor” and “condeser” also reduce accuracy. Use the diagram’s exact technical terms and prefer clear process collocations, such as “is converted into steam” and “is transmitted through power lines.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt a range of sentence forms, including sequencing clauses and a relative clause in “the last phase which produces electricity.” The main process is generally understandable, but grammatical errors are frequent enough to make some relationships unclear. For example, “The first step is injection well” needs an article and a clearer construction, while “hot water is pumped up to condenser” is missing an article. The sentence beginning “In the later phase, which is third phase known as condensor” is difficult to parse, and “Thereafter, On fourth phase” has incorrect capitalisation and preposition use. Punctuation is also inconsistent, as in “turbine,steam.” Practise accurate articles and prepositions, and use shorter, complete sentences to explain each stage.

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