Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-27
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 diagram illustrates the production of electricity by means of water in a hydroelectric power station.
Overall, River is using it as a primary source for the production of electricity. Dam is used as a blockage to stop and flow water according to demand. Power station on the bottom of the whole setup.
Firstly, water is coming from the river, then stored in a reservoir and dam next to it for the flow and storage of water according to demand for electricity. Additionally, there is intake at the bottom of the dam for intake and flow of water during day and night to generate electricity. At the opposite end of intake, there is a turbine connected to the generator of the power station.
Furthermore, a power station is located below the dam, and an electricity generation setup is installed here. At the power station, the reversible turbines perform dual tasks—at night pump water from a low reservoir to a high-level reservoir and at day generate electricity. Power lines connected with the generator used for the flow of electricity to the national grid.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response provides a clear overview of the hydroelectric power generation process. You have successfully identified the main components, such as the reservoir, dam, turbine, and power station. However, the description of the process is somewhat mechanical and lacks a cohesive flow between the stages. While you mention the 'reversible' nature of the turbines, the explanation of the cycle (pumping vs. generating) could be more precise to fully capture the technical nature of the diagram. You have addressed all parts of the task, but the development of the 'how' is slightly limited by repetitive sentence structures and a lack of comparative language.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. You use basic cohesive devices like 'Firstly', 'Additionally', and 'Furthermore' to transition between ideas. However, the use of these devices is somewhat mechanical. The referencing is occasionally unclear; for example, 'River is using it' is grammatically awkward and makes the connection between the river and the reservoir confusing. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that pronouns clearly refer back to the previously mentioned nouns to create a smoother flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the components of the power station. You use some relevant technical terms like 'reservoir', 'turbine', and 'national grid'. However, there are instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'blockage to stop and flow water' and 'on the bottom of the whole setup'. These phrases sound unnatural. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and academic vocabulary to describe technical processes, rather than relying on simple, descriptive phrases.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('River is using it', 'Dam is used as a blockage') and prepositions ('on the bottom of the whole setup' instead of 'at the bottom'). Some sentences are fragmented or lack necessary articles, which affects the overall accuracy. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on mastering article usage and ensuring subject-verb agreement in your sentences.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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