Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-25

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 6.0)

It shows the process of producing electricity during the day and night. Overall the process involves two reservoirs a high-level reservoir and low-level reservoir. During the day water flows downhill from the high-level reservoir and generates electricity and during the night water is pumped back on the high-level reservoir. The system uses reversible turbines to generate electricity and pump water.

River water enters the high-level reservoir and the intake is open during the day. water flows downhill through a pipe towards the power station and the water passes through reversible turbines. The turbines operate the generator. Electricity is produced and send through power lines to the national grid. The water then flows into the low-level reservoir.

Night time intake is closed and water from the low-level reservoir flows back towards the turbines. The turbines operator in reverse and water is pumped back into the high-level reservoir. This water can then be used again to generate electricity the following day.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the hydroelectric power station process, including the two reservoirs and the reversible nature of the turbines. You clearly distinguish between the daytime electricity generation phase and the nighttime pumping phase. However, the response lacks a clear overview or summary sentence that synthesizes the entire process at the beginning. While you cover the key stages, the description could be improved by using more precise terminology for the components shown in the diagram, such as the 'dam' or 'powerhouse'. Overall, you have addressed the requirements of the task well by reporting the main features and making relevant comparisons between the two operational modes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the general overview to the specific daytime and nighttime operations. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate these distinct phases. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat basic. You rely heavily on simple conjunctions like 'and' to connect ideas, and there is a lack of more sophisticated linking words or referencing (e.g., 'subsequently', 'in contrast', 'this cycle'). While the flow is generally easy to follow, the cohesion is occasionally mechanical, which prevents the response from reaching a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'reversible turbines', 'high-level reservoir', and 'national grid'. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'send through power lines' (should be 'sent') and 'turbines operator in reverse' (should be 'operate'). To improve, you should aim to incorporate more precise technical verbs and nouns related to mechanical processes. The vocabulary is sufficient for the task but lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. For example, 'pumped back on the high-level reservoir' should be 'pumped back into', and 'Electricity is produced and send' should be 'sent'. Additionally, there are missing articles and minor punctuation issues, such as the lack of a comma after 'Overall'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing your control over verb forms and prepositions will help improve your accuracy.

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

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