Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-12
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 picture dipicts the process of producing electricity via the use of water in a electricity creating plant. There are several imporatant features that facilitates the generation of electercity these are: River, dam, generator, and turbines. The collaboration of these components are the source of electricity production.
In the begining, the water present in river are store in dam and this water act as a reservior and flow through the tunnels. Next it reaches to the turbines present at the bottom of the generator. Finally, the turbines start roatating with pressue of water and yeild electercity which is then pass to the power lines with the help of a generator.
But the generator manufacture the electercity in day time and the reason is dam open this time. Water present in high reservior flow through the passage in forward direction during the working hours. The turbines are reversible therefore in night time the water flow backward to store again in dam. This way electercity produce and the same process repeats next day.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the hydroelectric process, including the dam, turbines, and generator. However, the description of the process is somewhat inaccurate, particularly the claim that the generator only works during the day and that the turbines are reversible to store water at night. This misinterpretation of the diagram affects the accuracy of the information reported. While the key stages are identified, the explanation lacks the precision required for a higher band. To improve, ensure that the description strictly reflects the visual data provided rather than introducing external assumptions about operating hours.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. There is some attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'In the begining', 'Next', and 'Finally', but these are sometimes used mechanically. The progression of ideas is occasionally logical, but the transition between the description of the process and the (incorrect) explanation of the day/night cycle is abrupt. Paragraphing is present, but the internal flow 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 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but contains several spelling errors, such as 'dipicts', 'imporatant', 'electercity', 'roatating', and 'yeild'. These errors are frequent and occasionally distracting. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on basic terms to describe the mechanical process. To reach a higher band, you should focus on using more precise technical terminology related to energy production (e.g., 'intake', 'penstock', 'power grid') and ensure accurate spelling of common words. The current level of lexical control is sufficient for basic communication but lacks the precision expected at higher levels.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'water... are store', 'turbines... start roatating') and article usage. Punctuation is also inconsistent, and there are errors in verb tense and form (e.g., 'electercity produce' instead of 'electricity is produced'). While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar structures limits the score. Focusing on proofreading for subject-verb agreement and consistent verb forms would significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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