Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-24

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)

The above diagram illustrates the method of producing electricity in a hydroelectric powerstation

Overall the process shown looks quite simple starting from water entering the dam from high-level reservoir,at interval generating electriciy and at end water pumping back into high-level resevoir.

First the water is flowing from river , which is a high-level reservoir, into the dam. At day time when intake is open , water flows and moves the turbine which is connected to a generator to generate electricity while the water flows to the low-level reservoir. The electricity produce goes towards the national grid.

Now at night time , the turbines are reversed and the intake is closed. Then water is pumped from low-level reservoir which flows towards the high-level reservoir. The direction of flow of water is reversed . The water is resued at day time again . As water is used to produce electricity , this powerstation is called hydrolectric powerstation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the hydroelectric power station process, including the day and night cycles. However, the description is somewhat superficial. While you mention the high-level and low-level reservoirs, the explanation of the mechanical components (such as the turbine and generator) is slightly underdeveloped. To reach a higher band, ensure you clearly link the stages of the process to the diagram's visual flow. You have successfully identified the core function of the station, but the summary could be more precise regarding the transition between the intake and the pumping phases.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into a logical sequence, moving from an overview to the day cycle and then the night cycle. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'First', 'Then', 'Now at night time'). Paragraphing is also insufficient; the entire body of the response is essentially one block of text. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas more fluidly, and ensure that each distinct stage of the process is clearly separated into paragraphs to improve readability and logical flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used some relevant technical vocabulary such as 'reservoir', 'turbine', 'generator', and 'national grid'. However, there are several spelling errors ('powerstation', 'resevoir', 'resued', 'hydrolectric') and some awkward phrasing. The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band. To improve, focus on accurate spelling of technical terms and try to incorporate more sophisticated verbs and nouns to describe the movement of water and the conversion of energy, rather than relying on simple verbs like 'flowing' or 'moves'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('at day time', 'at end') and punctuation (missing spaces after commas). Some sentences are slightly disjointed, such as 'The direction of flow of water is reversed . The water is resued at day time again.' While the meaning is generally clear, these errors occur frequently enough to cause some distraction. To improve, focus on consistent use of articles and prepositions, and ensure that your sentences are punctuated correctly to enhance the overall clarity of your writing.

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

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