Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

The flow diagram illustrates the process of electricity generated in a hydroelectric power situation. Overall, the process operates differently during the daytime and in night.

During the daytime, water comes from river and stored in high-level reservoir such as in Dam. Then water flows from dams through large pipes to generate electricity. Water comes in power station which spins turbines connected generator, which converts mechanical energy to electrical energy. The electricity produced is then transmitted to national grid through power lines. After passing to the turbines, water is collected in low-level reservoir.

At night, electricity demand is less than day. So the process is reversed. Water moved from low reservoir is pumped back through turbines and preparing for next cycle generating electricity. Water pumped through the large pipes.

In summary, the hydroelectric power station efficiently generates electricity by using flowing water during the day and recycling it at night for continuous use.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the process, including the two distinct phases (daytime and night). However, the description is somewhat simplistic. While you identify the key stages, the explanation of the mechanical process is slightly underdeveloped. For example, the connection between the turbine and the generator is mentioned, but the role of the 'reversing' pump at night could be explained with more technical precision to better reflect the diagram. The overview is present but could be more integrated into the summary of the process. Overall, you have addressed the requirements of the task, but further detail on the specific components and their functions would improve the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a summary. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, moving from the daytime cycle to the nighttime cycle. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Then water flows', 'Water comes in', 'At night', 'So the process is reversed'). While the paragraphing is appropriate, the transition between sentences could be smoother to create a more cohesive flow. Referencing is generally clear, but the link between the two phases could be strengthened with more sophisticated linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'hydroelectric power station', 'mechanical energy', and 'national grid'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'electricity generated in a hydroelectric power situation' (should be 'process') and 'water comes in power station' (should be 'enters the power station'). There is also a lack of variety in your verbs; you rely heavily on 'comes' and 'moved'. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more precise technical vocabulary and avoid repetitive phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles and prepositions (e.g., 'in night' instead of 'at night', 'from river' instead of 'from the river', 'to national grid' instead of 'to the national grid'). Some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'Water moved from low reservoir is pumped back'. These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on article usage and consistent verb tense would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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