Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The diagram display the procedure of how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station.
First of all the water from river stores in a dam, in dam the door is installed, the amount of water that released from dam is different for day and night, most time the the intake of water is open in day and close for night, then water is flow from top to bottom area to run turbine and generate electricity, then water go straight in full speed and that's run the turbine and electricity is made, the flow of water in day is from top to bottom and in day the flow of water is from bottom to top, the work of generator is make electricity from turbine and supply it into the power lines and distribute the electricity on national grid where it has to be consumed. The water reservoir is low in day and high in night.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| 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 features of the hydroelectric power station process, such as the dam, turbine, and generator. However, the description is somewhat inaccurate and confusing, particularly regarding the flow of water and the day/night cycle, which does not align with standard hydroelectric mechanics. The explanation of the process is underdeveloped and lacks a clear overview or logical grouping of stages. While the main components are mentioned, the lack of clarity in explaining how they function together prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure you clearly describe the sequence of events from the reservoir to the power lines and avoid making unsupported claims about the process.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response lacks paragraphing, which makes it difficult to follow the progression of the process. The text is essentially one long block of sentences. While some cohesive devices like 'First of all' and 'then' are used, they are repetitive and mechanical. The referencing is often unclear; for example, the phrase 'in day the flow of water is from bottom to top' is confusing and lacks logical connection to the previous sentence. To improve, you should structure your report into clear paragraphs (e.g., an introduction, a body paragraph for the main process, and a concluding summary) and use a wider variety of linking words to connect ideas more smoothly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive, relying heavily on simple verbs like 'make', 'run', and 'go'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'the water from river stores in a dam' (should be 'is stored') and 'the work of generator is make electricity'. The range of vocabulary is limited, and there is little attempt to use technical or precise terminology related to engineering or power generation. To improve, focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary such as 'intake', 'penstock', 'turbine', and 'transmission', and work on using more precise verbs like 'generate', 'convert', and 'distribute'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement ('The diagram display', 'the work of generator is make'), missing articles ('in dam', 'on national grid'), and awkward sentence structures. The writing relies almost exclusively on simple sentences, with very few attempts at complex structures. Punctuation is also weak, with run-on sentences that lack proper conjunctions or full stops. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring verbs agree with their subjects, and using articles correctly. Practicing complex sentences with relative clauses or passive voice would also help elevate your score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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