Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-26
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 shows a process of electricity generation. In the first step water entered in high level reservoir from a river. Secondly the water from dam goes in turbine to to start generator through a specific way. Then from power station, power lines link the national grid station where electricity stored for further supply. There is also flow of water during pumping at night can be seen in diagram. The way of flow of water to generate electricity is also shown. The low level reservoir is also given. Overall it is a very significant diagram. One can learn the process of hydal power project easily. The whole process of electricity generation is given in a very meaningful way. Diagram is full information in a scientific way. It is a cheapest way of electricity generation. It is also a traditional and old technique to generate electricity. For students diagram is very informative.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report. Instead of objectively describing the process, the student provides subjective commentary, such as 'Overall it is a very significant diagram' and 'It is a cheapest way of electricity generation.' These personal opinions are irrelevant to the task. While the student identifies some components like the 'high level reservoir' and 'turbine,' the description of the process is fragmented and lacks a clear, logical sequence. The response does not adequately report the main features or make necessary comparisons between the two reservoirs or the pumping/generating phases. The focus is on the diagram's utility rather than the data it presents.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response lacks a clear structure. It is written as a single, disjointed paragraph that mixes process description with personal evaluation. There is no clear progression of ideas; the transition between the generation process and the commentary is abrupt. Cohesive devices are used in a very basic and repetitive manner, such as 'In the first step,' 'Secondly,' and 'Then.' Referencing is often unclear, and the lack of paragraphing makes the text difficult to follow. The overall arrangement is not logical, as the student shifts focus from the diagram's content to its educational value without any cohesive link.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. The student relies on basic terms like 'way,' 'process,' and 'diagram' throughout the text. There is an attempt to use technical terms like 'reservoir,' 'turbine,' and 'generator,' but these are not integrated into a sophisticated or accurate description of the process. The word choice is often imprecise, such as 'hydal power project' (likely a misspelling of 'hydro') and 'link the national grid station.' The vocabulary is insufficient to describe the mechanical process with the precision required for an Academic Task 1 response, and the tone is overly informal.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with article usage ('in high level reservoir'), verb tense consistency ('water entered' instead of 'enters'), and prepositions ('link the national grid station' instead of 'link to'). Sentence structures are simple and repetitive, lacking the variety of complex structures expected at higher bands. Punctuation is also inconsistent, and there are errors in word formation, such as 'hydal.' While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents the response from reaching a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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