Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-15

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 represents the step by step process of electricity production in a hydroelectric power plant with the help of using river water.

Overall, it is clear that various factors are involved in electricity generation from using the flow of river water to operating generator using the turbines. In addition, the process is separated by day and night.

Mainly, the process starts from storing the river water into high-level-reservoir by creating a dam. The intake of river water is open during the day to pass the following river water to the power plant which is situated at the lower level than the high level water storing unit, after that the turbines are used to operate the generator to produce the electricity. Once the electricity is generated it is passed to the national grid via power lines which are connected to a generator.

Also, the water coming from top-level- reservoir is then stored into a low-level-reservoir. This water is again pushed back into a high-level-reservoir and for this process the reversible turbines are used, which consumes the electricity produced during the day.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the hydroelectric power station, including the day and night cycles. You covered the process from the high-level reservoir through to the national grid and the reversible turbine cycle. However, the description could be more precise. For instance, you mention the intake is open 'during the day', but the diagram implies a continuous process where the flow is managed. Additionally, the explanation of the reversible turbine cycle is a bit simplistic. To reach a higher band, ensure you clearly distinguish between the two distinct phases (generation and pumping) and use more precise terminology to describe the mechanical components shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, moving from an introduction to the main process and then the secondary cycle. You use some cohesive devices like 'In addition', 'Mainly', and 'Once', which help the flow. However, the paragraphing is a bit weak; the second paragraph is quite long and could be split to better separate the generation phase from the pumping phase. Some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother to avoid repetitive phrasing like 'high-level-reservoir' and 'low-level-reservoir'. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'hydroelectric power plant', 'turbines', 'generator', and 'national grid'. However, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'used' and 'produced'. You also rely on hyphenated phrases like 'high-level-reservoir' which is not standard English. To improve, try to incorporate more varied verbs such as 'facilitates', 'converts', or 'transmits', and ensure your collocations are natural. The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While your meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies. For example, 'with the help of using river water' is wordy and awkward; 'by using river water' would be more concise. You also have issues with articles and prepositions, such as 'the turbines are used to operate the generator' (which is fine, but the following clause 'which consumes the electricity' lacks a clear subject reference). There are also minor punctuation and phrasing errors that slightly disrupt the flow, though they do not impede overall communication.

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

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