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.

The process begins with water flowing, 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 an intake at the bottom of the dam, which allows water to flow through to the turbines 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.

Finally, within the power station, the reversible turbines perform dual tasks—at night pumping water from a low reservoir to a high-level reservoir and during the 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 identifies the main features of the hydroelectric power generation process. You have clearly described the role of the dam, the reservoir, the turbines, and the generator. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the dual function of the reversible turbines, which is a key feature of the diagram. However, the description of the flow process is slightly repetitive in the second paragraph (e.g., 'flow and storage of water'). To reach a higher band, ensure that the sequence of events is described with more precision, perhaps by explicitly linking the movement of water from the high-level reservoir through the intake to the turbine more fluidly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the process chronologically. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the general setup from the specific mechanical process. Cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'At the opposite end', and 'Finally' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the diagram. The progression of ideas is clear, and the referencing is generally accurate. To improve, ensure that the transition between the dam's function and the turbine's operation is more seamless, as the current structure feels slightly segmented.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, such as 'hydroelectric', 'regulate', 'intake', 'reversible turbines', and 'national grid'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for a technical description. There are no significant spelling errors, and the word choice is accurate throughout. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms to describe the movement of water and the conversion of energy, rather than relying on simpler verbs like 'flowing' or 'perform'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the participial phrase 'Power lines connected with the generator are used to transmit electricity'. The grammar is largely accurate, and there are no errors that impede communication. To move into the 8.0 band, aim for a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as using more passive voice constructions to describe the process (e.g., 'water is directed through the intake') to maintain a more formal, objective tone throughout the report.

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

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