Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-03
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The diagram below shows how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Student answer (Band 5.0)
The diagram illustrates how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station.
Overall , it is clear that it has several steps to generate electricity. It starts from the river and water and in the last electricity generated in power station through generator.
In this process use of the river water , this high level reservoir water go into the Dam . After that, the intake is open during the day and flow of water generate electricity in day. During night , water go to low level reservoir to high level reservoir. The turbine is reversible in day it operate generator, while in night it pump water into high level reservoir.
Then reversible terbines operate bu generator, through generator electricity generate in power station. Finally , power lines supply power in national grid.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the overall score. While you have identified the main features of the hydroelectric process, the description is somewhat superficial. You mention the movement of water between reservoirs and the role of the turbine, but the explanation lacks sufficient detail regarding the specific stages shown in the diagram. To improve, you should aim to describe the process more comprehensively, ensuring that all key components—such as the intake, the power station, and the transmission lines—are clearly explained in relation to the overall cycle. The current summary is too brief to fully satisfy the requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organised into short paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the basic structure of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'In this process' and 'Then'. The logical flow between sentences is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'In this process use of the river water , this high level reservoir water go into the Dam'. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly, and ensure that your sentences are structured to guide the reader clearly through the stages of the diagram.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for describing a technical process, but it lacks the precision and range expected for a higher band. There are some spelling errors, such as 'terbines' and 'bu', and some awkward word choices, such as 'operate generator' instead of 'powers the generator'. You rely on basic terminology and struggle to incorporate more sophisticated or precise vocabulary related to engineering or energy production. To improve, focus on learning topic-specific collocations and ensure you proofread your work to eliminate simple spelling mistakes that detract from the professional tone of your report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'water go to low level reservoir' instead of 'water goes to the low-level reservoir', and missing articles throughout the text. The sentence structures are relatively simple, and there is a lack of complex grammatical forms. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly the use of articles and correct verb tenses. Practising the use of complex sentences, such as using relative clauses or passive voice (which is very useful for process descriptions), will help you demonstrate a wider range of grammatical control.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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