Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

The diagram illustrates the production of electricity by means of water in a hydroelectric power station.

Overall, water from the river serves as the primary source for the production of electricity. Dam is used as a controller to stop and flow water according to demand. The power station is located 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, which acts as a passage of flow of water during the day 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. 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 are used to transmit electricity to the national grid.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the hydroelectric power generation process, including the reservoir, dam, intake, turbine, and generator. You successfully identified the dual function of the reversible turbines, which is a key feature of the diagram. However, the description of the process flow is slightly disjointed. For instance, the transition between the reservoir and the power station could be more clearly linked to the physical movement of water. While you have reported the main features, a more cohesive summary of the cycle (day vs. night) would have strengthened the response. Overall, you have addressed the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Additionally', and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical, and the paragraphing could be improved by grouping the daytime generation process and the nighttime pumping process more distinctly. The referencing is generally clear, though some sentences, such as 'Dam is used as a controller', lack necessary articles, which slightly disrupts the flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'reservoir', 'turbine', 'generator', and 'national grid' correctly. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'at the bottom of the whole setup' or 'stop and flow water'. While these do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. To improve, try to incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to mechanical processes, such as 'facilitate', 'harness', or 'convert'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly regarding article usage (e.g., 'Dam is used', 'at day generate electricity' instead of 'during the day'). Additionally, some phrasing is slightly awkward, such as 'water is coming from the river'. While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding the process. To reach a higher band, focus on consistent article usage and refining your sentence structure to ensure greater accuracy in complex descriptions.

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

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