Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-22

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)

BELOW GIVEN PROCEDURE DEPICTS HOW HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION IS PRODUCED AN ELECTRICITY. OVERALL, IT CAN BE EVIDENT THAT, DAM USE FOR STORE WATER WHICH CAME FROM RIVER AND DURING DAY TIME IT CAN BE FLOW DOWN BY INTAKE AND THE GENERATOR.

TO BEGINS WITH DAY TIME, WATER IS CAME INTO HIGH-LEVEL RESERVOIR BY RIVER AND THE DAM MAKE FOR STORE WATER IN THAT RESERVOIR. MOVING NEXT, WATER IS FLOWING DOWN FOR GENERATE ELECTRICITY BY THE INTAKE INSIDE THE DAM. IN NEXT STAGE, WATER FLOW START ROTATING REVERSIBLE TURBINE WHICH IS CONNECT WITH THE GENERATOR AND THE TURBINE WORK AS OPERATE GENERATOR . NEXT, POWER LINES SUPPLIES THE ELECTRICITY TO NATIONAL GRID WHICH IS PRODUCED BY GENERATOR. IN LAST WATER REACHED IN LOW-LEVEL RESERVOIR.

IN THE NIGHT TIME, TURBINE WORK AS PUMP WHICH IS FLOWING WATER FROM LOW-LEVEL RESERVOIR TO HIGH-LEVEL RESERVOIR. AT THAT TIME, FLOW OF WATER IS IN UPPER DIRECTION BY THE SAME INTAKE OF DAM TO STORE WATER IN HIGH-LEVEL RESERVOIR.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response identifies the main features of the hydroelectric power station, including the two-way process between the high-level and low-level reservoirs. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, professional overview of the process. While the key stages are mentioned, the explanation of the 'reversible' nature of the turbine is slightly unclear. To improve, ensure that the summary provides a more concise synthesis of the process rather than a step-by-step narration that repeats similar information. The response covers the task requirements but lacks the analytical depth expected for a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'To begins with' and 'Moving next'. The progression of ideas is sometimes hindered by awkward phrasing, making the flow feel disjointed. While there is an attempt to use transition words, they are not always used naturally. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words will help the response achieve a more professional and logical flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'water', 'flow', and 'store'. There are several instances of incorrect word choice and collocation, such as 'depicts how... is produced an electricity' and 'make for store water'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe the technical process with precision. To improve, you should focus on learning topic-specific collocations related to mechanical processes and energy generation, and ensure that word forms (e.g., nouns vs. verbs) are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with verb tenses and passive voice construction, such as 'water is came' instead of 'water enters' or 'is directed', and 'dam make for store' instead of 'the dam is used to store'. Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at complex sentences are often faulty. The lack of control over basic subject-verb agreement and article usage significantly impacts the quality of the writing. Focusing on basic sentence construction and consistent tense usage is essential.

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

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