Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

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. A dam is used as a controller to stop and regulate water according to demand. The power station is located at 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 for the flow of water during the day to generate electricity. At the opposite end of the 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 pumping water from a low reservoir to a high-level reservoir and at day generating electricity. Power lines connected with the generator are used to transmit electricity to the national grid.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers the main features of the hydroelectric power station diagram. You have identified the key components, such as the reservoir, dam, turbine, and generator, and explained the process clearly. The overview provides a good summary of the system's function. However, to reach a higher band, you could improve the integration of the 'day' and 'night' cycle into a more cohesive comparison, as the current description feels slightly segmented. The information is accurate and relevant, and you have successfully highlighted the dual-purpose nature of the turbines, which is a crucial feature of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the process flow. You use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Additionally', and 'Furthermore' to guide the reader through the stages. While the progression is logical, some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the general setup from the specific operational details. The referencing is clear, and the information flows well from the source (river) to the final output (national grid).

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms like 'reservoir', 'turbine', 'generator', and 'national grid' appropriately. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'generate' and 'produce'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations or synonyms to describe the movement of water and the conversion of energy. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for a higher band score. Spelling is accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some minor grammatical issues, such as 'water is coming from the river' (present continuous is less appropriate here than simple present for describing a process) and 'at day generating electricity' (which should be 'during the day'). Despite these minor slips, the meaning is never obscured, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. You have used passive voice appropriately for a process description, which is a strength. Increasing the variety of complex structures would further enhance this score.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.