Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-09

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 the process of power generated in hydroelectric power station through various steps in turbines.

Overall, it can be observed from the given diagram that process to generate power began from River whereas it ends at turbines.

Firstly, to produce electricity water from river passed through Dam via high level reservoir that opens or closed during day and night. However, after water passed through river it flow speedy to generate electricity in day while on the other hand water flow in upward direction during night. Moreover, water flows to power station in generator. the fast moving turbines then generate electricity which are reversible . After, electricity passed through power lines towards national grid. This is how electricity produce from water in turbines during day or night.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While the student attempts to describe the process, the explanation is underdeveloped and lacks detail regarding the key components of the hydroelectric power station, such as the intake, the powerhouse, and the transformer. The summary of the process is somewhat inaccurate, particularly the claim that the process 'ends at turbines' and the confusing description of water flow during the day and night. The response lacks a clear, comprehensive overview of the entire cycle, and the failure to reach the minimum length means the task is only partially addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organized into a single paragraph, which is not ideal for a report. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'However', and 'Moreover', these are often used incorrectly or in a way that does not logically connect the ideas. The progression of the process is difficult to follow because the sentences do not flow logically from one stage to the next. The referencing is also unclear at times, particularly when referring to the direction of water flow, which makes the overall structure feel mechanical and disjointed.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. The student relies on basic terms like 'process', 'generate', and 'water', and there are several instances of awkward word choice, such as 'flow speedy' instead of 'flows rapidly' and 'passed through river' instead of 'passed through the dam'. There is no attempt to use more sophisticated or technical vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'intake', 'penstock', or 'transformer'. The errors in word choice and the lack of variety in lexical items hinder the clarity of the description.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that impede communication. There are issues with article usage ('in hydroelectric power station'), verb tense consistency ('electricity produce' instead of 'electricity is produced'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack necessary prepositions. There is a very limited range of complex structures, and the attempts at complex sentences are often faulty, such as 'water from river passed through Dam via high level reservoir that opens or closed during day and night'. These persistent errors make the text difficult to read.

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

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