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 6.0

The response covers the main features of the hydroelectric power station process. You have identified the key components such as the dam, reservoir, turbines, and the national grid. However, the description of the process flow is slightly repetitive, particularly in the second paragraph where you mention the flow and storage of water twice. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the components is described more precisely, for example, by explicitly linking the water level difference to the kinetic energy required to spin the turbines. The overview is clear, but could be more analytical regarding the cyclical nature of the system.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific stage of the process. You use cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'Finally', and 'at the opposite end' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For instance, the phrase 'the flow and storage of water according to demand for electricity' is a bit redundant. Improving the flow between sentences by using more varied linking phrases would enhance the overall coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms like 'hydroelectric power station', 'reservoir', 'turbines', and 'national grid' correctly. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'generate' and 'flow'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to mechanical processes, such as 'harnessing water' or 'converting energy'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but lacks the sophistication and variety required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and grammatically accurate. There are minor issues with phrasing, such as 'by means of water' which is slightly unnatural; 'using water' or 'harnessing water' would be better. You have used passive voice appropriately for a process description (e.g., 'water is stored', 'turbines are connected'). While there are no major errors that impede communication, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited, which keeps the score in the 6.5-7.0 range.

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

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