Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-04
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 given diagram illustrates that how the hydroelectric power station generating electricity by flowing of water
Overall, Dam storing the river like high-level reservoir. Totally they are 2 types of ways to generate current one is day and another is night. Here is flowing of water is important that due to the able to generate electricity.
Day time water flows from Dam to the power station by using reversible turbines it generating the current and electricity flows from power lines to national grid water stored in low-level reservoir. At night time water flows in reverse way it pumps into high-level reservoir
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully address the task. While the student identifies the main components (dam, reservoir, turbines), the description is underdeveloped and lacks a clear, comprehensive overview of the process. The explanation of the day/night cycle is simplistic and misses key technical details shown in the diagram, such as the intake and outlet mechanisms. Because the response is 49 words short, it cannot adequately report the main features or make meaningful comparisons, resulting in a low score for task achievement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is divided into paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. The transition between the introduction and the body is abrupt. Cohesive devices are largely absent or misused, such as the phrase 'Totally they are 2 types of ways', which is unnatural and fails to link ideas effectively. The sequencing of the process is somewhat clear, but the lack of cohesive language makes the text feel disjointed and repetitive. The overall organization is minimal, and the progression of ideas is not well-managed.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is very limited and often inaccurate. Phrases like 'generating the current' and 'flowing of water' are repetitive and lack the technical precision required for an Academic Task 1 report. There is little attempt to use a range of vocabulary; instead, the student relies on basic, functional words. Some word choices, such as 'day and another is night', are awkward and do not reflect the formal register expected in an IELTS writing task. The lack of variety and precision significantly limits the score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with sentence structure, such as 'The given diagram illustrates that how the hydroelectric power station generating electricity', which contains redundant words and incorrect verb forms. Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent, and there is a lack of complex sentence structures. Punctuation is also problematic, with missing commas and run-on sentences. The range of grammar is very limited, consisting mostly of simple, error-prone sentences that do not demonstrate the control required for higher bands.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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