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 covers the main features of the hydroelectric power generation process well. You have identified the key components, such as the dam, reservoir, turbines, and power lines, and successfully explained the dual-function nature of the system (pumping at night and generating during the day). The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the components is described with more precision; for instance, the transition from the high-level reservoir to the turbines could be explained more explicitly to show the flow of energy.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific stage of the process. The progression from the reservoir to the power station and finally to the national grid is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'Finally', and 'at the opposite end' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the phrase 'the flow and storage of water according to demand for electricity' is a bit repetitive. Improving the variety of linking phrases would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms like 'reservoir', 'turbines', 'generator', and 'national grid' correctly. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, such as 'reversible' and 'regulate'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional rather than sophisticated. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations or descriptive verbs to explain the mechanical process, such as 'harnessing' or 'converting' energy. The current word choice is accurate but lacks the flexibility 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 grammatically sound, such as 'The diagram illustrates the production of electricity by means of water'. There are very few errors, and those present do not impede communication. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'water is directed through the intake') or participle clauses to describe the process more fluidly. The current control is good, but the range is somewhat limited.

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

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