Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-21

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 7.0)

The diagram gives information about the process of producing electricity in a hydroelectric power station.

Overall, there are multiple stages involved in the process, commencing with the water from the river and ending with electricity generated and distributed via grid for national usage.

The process begins when water from the river is stored in a dam, creating a high-level reservoir. During the day, the intake is open, which allows water to flow downwards to reversible turbines in the power station. At daytime, these machines operate the electricity generator, due to the force of the water flow, to create electricity. Subsequently, electricity is then distributed to national grid by the power lines directly linked with the power station.

Following the previous stages, water flowing through reversible machines will be stored at the low-level reservoir. At night, it will be pumped back to the high-level area by the reversible turbines which work as a pumper during this time, thus beginning the cycle once again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the hydroelectric power station process. You have clearly described the cycle, including the intake, power generation, and the pumping mechanism at night. The overview is concise and effectively captures the essence of the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the key components shown in the diagram, such as the 'intake' and 'power lines', with more precise detail regarding their function. You have covered all parts of the task well, providing a clear and logical summary of the information presented in the visual prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the daytime generation phase from the nighttime pumping phase. Cohesive devices such as 'Subsequently', 'Following the previous stages', and 'thus' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the process. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between the high-level and low-level reservoirs is clearly established. The structure is coherent throughout, and the use of referencing is generally accurate, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'reversible turbines', 'reservoir', and 'distributed'. There is some evidence of less common lexical items, such as 'commencing' and 'cycle'. However, there are minor issues with word choice, such as 'pumper' (which is not standard terminology; 'pump' would be better) and 'national grid' (which usually requires the definite article 'the'). Despite these minor inaccuracies, the vocabulary is precise enough to convey the technical nature of the process clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('creating a high-level reservoir') and relative clauses ('which allows water to flow'). While the majority of your sentences are error-free, there are a few minor slips, such as 'distributed to national grid' (missing 'the') and 'At daytime' (should be 'During the day'). These errors are non-systematic and do not impede communication. Your control over punctuation and sentence variety is strong, supporting the overall clarity of your explanation.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.