Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-28

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 7.0)

The provided diagram illustrates a cyclical process of electricity generation in a hydroelectric power station.

Overall, it is a sustainable electricity generation process that works differently during day and night. During the daytime, the water is flown from a high-level reservoir to power electricity and at night the process is reversed when the electricity demand is lower.

At first, during the daytime water from river is stored is a high-level reservoir behind a dam. Intake of water generally remains opened and the water flows down to reversible turbines to the power station through a channel. As the water passes through reversible turbines, it drives the generator to produce electricity. Following that, the electricity is transmitted through power lines to national grids. The used water then enters the low-level reservoir.

At night, when the demand of electricity is lower, the intake is closed. The turbines change its operation and work as pumps. They take water from the low-level reservoir and pump it back up to the high-level reservoir, ready for the next day's usage.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively identifies the main features of the hydroelectric process. You have clearly distinguished between the daytime generation phase and the nighttime pumping phase, which is essential for this task. The overview provides a good summary of the cyclical nature of the system. All key stages, such as the high-level reservoir, reversible turbines, and the national grid, are mentioned. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the 'dam' as a structural feature and perhaps elaborate slightly more on the conversion of energy, but overall, the task is well-addressed with a clear focus on the provided diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the day and night cycles. The progression of information is easy to follow. You have used cohesive devices such as 'At first', 'Following that', and 'At night' to guide the reader through the process. The paragraphing is appropriate, separating the two distinct operational modes of the power station. To improve, you could vary your linking phrases further to avoid a slightly mechanical feel, but the current structure is effective and supports the flow of information well.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical process, such as 'cyclical process', 'sustainable', 'reversible turbines', and 'national grids'. These terms are used accurately. There are a few minor word choice issues, such as 'water is flown' (should be 'flows') and 'intake of water generally remains opened' (should be 'open'). However, these do not impede communication. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations related to engineering or energy production to demonstrate a wider range of sophisticated vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have successfully used passive voice constructions, which are appropriate for describing a process (e.g., 'water from river is stored'). There are some grammatical slips, such as 'water is flown' (passive voice error) and 'turbines change its operation' (subject-verb agreement error: 'their' operation). Despite these occasional errors, the majority of your sentences are clear and error-free. To reach a higher band, ensure consistent subject-verb agreement and refine your use of passive voice for greater precision.

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

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