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 generation process, including the role of the dam, the intake, the turbine, and the generator. You have successfully identified the dual-function nature of the turbines, which is a key feature of the diagram. However, the description of the process flow is slightly repetitive in the second paragraph, where you mention 'flow and storage' twice. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the high-level and low-level reservoirs is more clearly explained, as this is central to the 'reversible' nature of the system shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'Finally', and 'at the opposite end' to guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the progression within the second paragraph is a bit disjointed due to the repetitive phrasing. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure allows the reader to follow the sequence of events without difficulty.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'regulate', 'intake', 'reversible turbines', and 'national grid' correctly. There is some repetition of basic words like 'water' and 'production'. To improve, try to use more precise synonyms or vary your sentence structure to avoid repeating the same nouns. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the technical process clearly, though it lacks the sophisticated collocation or idiomatic control required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and error-free, which ensures that communication is never impeded. There are minor issues with phrasing, such as 'production of electricity by means of water', which could be more naturally expressed. You have used passive voice appropriately for a process description (e.g., 'is used as a controller', 'are used to transmit'). The grammar is generally accurate, with only very occasional slips that do not affect the clarity of the technical explanation.

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

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