Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-08

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 6.5)

The given flowchart depicts the production of electricity that takes place in a hydroelectric power station. At a glance, the reversible turbine can be operated to produce electricity as well as pumping water from low-level to high-level reservoir.

To begin with, water needs to be stored in a high-level reservoir, so a dam is built for this purpose. The lower end of the dam also known as intake is opened during day time to allow the flow of water towards the power station. While at night the intake is closed. Eventually, water flows down through a channel towards the reversible hydro-electric turbine. The hydro-electric turbine is coupled to a generator via a long shaft. As the turbine rotates the generator's shaft is also rotated which produces electricity. Finally, the power produced is then transferred via the power lines to the national grid. While the used water is dumped into low-level reservoir. On the other hand, at night water from the low-level reservoir is pumped back by the 2-way turbine into the high-level reservoir, so that it can be re-used again the next day.

Overall, in hydroelectric power station water is re-used, which is a sustainable practice.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all stages of the hydroelectric power generation process. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the role of the dam, the reversible turbine, and the cycle between the high-level and low-level reservoirs. The overview provided in the introduction is clear and sets the stage well. To reach a higher band, ensure that the comparison between the day and night cycles is even more explicit, perhaps by using more sophisticated comparative language to highlight the cyclical nature of the process. Overall, the information is accurate and well-selected.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial storage of water to the generation of electricity and the subsequent recycling process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the main process description, and the concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Eventually', and 'On the other hand' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, some transitions could be more varied to improve the flow. The referencing is generally clear, and the relationship between the different components of the power station is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, such as 'reversible turbine', 'hydro-electric', 'generator', and 'national grid'. These terms are used accurately in context. There are some minor issues with collocation, such as 'dumped into', which sounds slightly informal for a technical description. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic verbs and nouns to describe the movement of water and energy. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly and precisely throughout the report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the meaning is always clear. There are occasional minor grammatical slips, such as 'in hydroelectric power station' (missing an article) and 're-used again' (which is redundant). Punctuation is generally handled well. To achieve a higher band, aim for more varied complex sentence structures and ensure consistent use of articles and prepositions. The current level of control is solid and does not impede communication.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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