Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-11
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 diagram illustrates the process of generating electric power in a hydroelectric power station. It is clear that the water flows through the generator which then make electric power and transfer it to power lines and national grid respectively.
During day time, the water of the river stored in the high-level reservoir is flowed by dam intake to the power station which helps the generator to make electricity and then flows to low-level reservoir. The electric power generated by the power station is sent to power lines and national grid.
In the night, the water stored in the low-level reservoir is pumped to the high-level reservoir via reversible turbines. The water loss in the hydroelectric power station is minimal due to the reservoirs which stores the water. The water intake is closed in the night to prevent the water flow from high-level reservoir.
In conclusion, the hydroelectric power station system generates the electricity which is used domestically as well as commercially.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the hydroelectric process, including the day and night cycles. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks a clear overview of the cyclical nature of the system. While the key components like the reservoirs and turbines are mentioned, the explanation of the process is slightly repetitive. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the components is described with more precision, particularly regarding how the reversible turbines function in both directions. The conclusion adds little value as it focuses on the usage of electricity rather than summarizing the mechanical process described in the diagram.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with a clear separation between the day and night processes. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'During day time', 'In the night', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally imprecise, such as in the opening paragraph where the flow of information is slightly disjointed. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the internal cohesion within paragraphs could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages of the process more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, covering technical terms like 'hydroelectric power station', 'reversible turbines', and 'reservoirs'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on basic verbs such as 'make', 'sent', and 'flows'. There are also minor collocation issues, such as 'water of the river stored' and 'make electric power'. To improve, you should incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to engineering processes, such as 'generate', 'transmit', 'harness', or 'facilitate', to demonstrate a more sophisticated control of language.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'which then make electric power' (subject-verb agreement), 'the water of the river stored... is flowed' (passive voice misuse), and 'the reservoirs which stores' (subject-verb agreement). While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on consistent subject-verb agreement and the correct application of passive voice, which is essential for describing technical processes.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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