Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-10

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 6.0)

The scheme below shows the process of electricity production on the water power plant.

Overall, the process includes two phases: daily and nightly. At the day water generates electricity, going from high-level reservoir through the turbines to low-level reservoir; at the night water is pumped in the opposite direction.

In the day phase water comes from the river through the intake under the dam down to the turbine, which operates the generator producing electricity, which spreads to the country by power lines connected with national grid. The water then comes farther to the low-level reservoir, where it stays until night.

The night phase starts where the day phase ends. From the low-level reservoir water is pumped through the passageway from which it came in the day time by reversible turbines, producing electricity. Then it returns to the high-level reservoir from which it will start the daily phase of energy manufacturing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the hydroelectric power station process, including the cyclical nature of the day and night phases. You have successfully identified the key components such as the reservoirs, turbines, and power lines. However, the description of the night phase contains a slight inaccuracy regarding the function of the turbines; the text states they produce electricity during the night phase, whereas the diagram implies they act as pumps to move water back to the high-level reservoir. To reach a higher band, ensure that the technical details of the process are interpreted with greater precision based on the visual evidence provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs representing the two phases. The progression of ideas is generally clear, and the use of temporal markers like 'In the day phase' and 'The night phase starts' helps guide the reader. However, some cohesive devices are slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the transition between the two phases could be improved by using more sophisticated linking phrases rather than simple sentence starters. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to a coherent response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'intake', 'reversible turbines', and 'national grid'. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'water power plant' (better: 'hydroelectric power station') and 'energy manufacturing' (better: 'electricity generation'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for a clear explanation of the diagram, it lacks the more sophisticated, precise terminology that would characterize a higher band score. Improving your control over technical collocations will enhance your lexical precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the grammar is generally accurate and communication is not impeded, there are some minor errors and awkward phrasings. For instance, 'At the day water generates electricity' should be 'During the day, water generates electricity'. Additionally, some articles are missing or misused, such as 'at the night' instead of 'at night'. The sentence structures are functional but lack the variety and flexibility required for a higher band. Focusing on more complex sentence combinations and refining article usage will improve your accuracy.

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

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