Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-23
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 illustrates the process of electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station.
Overall, the process has several steps. From start with, water pressure is generated by dam to end with generator is moved and it send to national grid.
Firstly, water is stored with dam wall. After that, dam wall is created water pressure. Dam has two intake, during a day it is opened and closed at night. During a day, water is flowed to reversible turbine. After that , water is passed threw turbine and moved to low-level reservoir. During this time, turbines are moved due to water pressure.
Turbines are moved reverse during night because water are pumped into high-level reservoir. After that, flow of water are pumped reverse during night. After this process, generator is rotated with turbine. Generator is send electricity to power lines. In the final stage, electricity is produced successfully.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response covers the main stages of the hydroelectric process, including the dam, turbine, and generator. However, it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While the key features are identified, the description of the process is somewhat simplistic and lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. The explanation of the reversible nature of the turbine is present but could be more clearly articulated to show a better understanding of the cycle. To improve, ensure all parts of the diagram are described with sufficient detail to meet the length requirement and provide a more comprehensive overview of the system's functionality.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as 'From start with' and 'After that', which are used repetitively. The logical progression is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, making the transition between the daytime and nighttime cycles feel disjointed. To improve, vary your linking words and ensure that each sentence flows naturally into the next. Using more sophisticated transitions like 'consequently', 'subsequently', or 'in contrast' would enhance the overall coherence of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'moved', 'created', and 'water'. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'dam wall is created water pressure' (should be 'creates') and 'generator is send electricity' (should be 'sends'). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe the technical aspects of the diagram with precision. To achieve a higher band, focus on using more specific terminology related to engineering and processes, such as 'harnesses', 'facilitates', 'converts', and 'transmission', while ensuring correct word forms and collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with passive voice construction, such as 'generator is moved' instead of 'the generator is moved' or 'is driven'. Subject-verb agreement is also problematic, for example, 'water are pumped' and 'flow of water are pumped'. The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. To improve, focus on mastering the passive voice, which is essential for describing processes, and pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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