Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-17

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 diagram illustrate the process of how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station. It includes a huge amount of product such as generator, turbine and so on.

It is a huge process to generate a electricity via a hydroelectric power station. Firstly, River is the water source to generate current. Water is processed through high level reservoir. It intake the water in day and flow towards the generator to generate the current and it go throught the generator. Additionally, it transferred to reverse turbines where the turbine work as a operate generator in day. But it work as a pump, sent the water into high level reservoir. Lastly, they are sent throught the low level reservoir.

In conclusion, the hydroelectric power station builds current using water. It includes a huge process such as high level reservoir, reverse turbine, power lines and so on. after all process water is directly converted into electric current.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to describe the process but fails to clearly explain the mechanism of the hydroelectric power station. The description is confusing, particularly regarding the 'reverse turbine' and the cycle between the high and low reservoirs. The summary lacks a clear overview of the main stages, such as the conversion of potential energy into kinetic energy and then into electricity. Some information is inaccurate, such as the claim that water is 'directly converted into electric current'. To improve, you must focus on the logical sequence of the process and ensure the technical details are accurately reflected from the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into three paragraphs, but the progression of ideas is disjointed. While some cohesive devices are used (e.g., 'Firstly', 'Additionally', 'In conclusion'), they are often used incorrectly or do not effectively link the steps of the process. The referencing is frequently unclear, such as the use of 'it' without a clear antecedent, making it difficult for the reader to follow the flow of water through the system. Paragraphing is present, but the internal logic within the paragraphs is weak, which hinders the overall coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'huge amount of product' and 'huge process' are imprecise and inappropriate for a technical description. There are also issues with word choice, such as 'reverse turbines' and 'operate generator', which do not accurately describe the components shown in such diagrams. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to convey the technical nature of the task, and the reliance on basic, informal language prevents the response from achieving a higher score. You should aim to use more precise, subject-specific terminology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The diagram illustrate', 'River is the water source'), article usage (e.g., 'a electricity'), and verb tense consistency. Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at complex sentences are often faulty or unclear. Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles, before attempting more complex structures.

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