Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-29

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 5.0)

the diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity in hydroelectric power station. this process include two main term in day flow of water to generate electricity and pumping back at night.

overall, the water is stored at high level reservoir and it flow to low level reservoir during generating electricity, and water is reverse in high level reservoir after generated at night.

At first the water come from river and it stored in large quantity at the high level reservoir , After stored it flow for generating electricity at day time the reversble turbines are being work and it can generate electricity and it supply thorough powerlines.

At the night this process is inverserd ands water come back from low level reservoir at high level reservoir at night genrator cannot work therefore water is stored for nest day.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While you have identified the main features of the diagram, such as the high and low reservoirs and the reversible turbines, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the process. The explanation of the night-time cycle is underdeveloped, and the overall summary is quite brief. To improve, ensure you describe the process steps in more detail and provide a more comprehensive overview of the entire system, ensuring you meet the length requirement to allow for full development of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. While you use basic cohesive devices like 'At first' and 'At the night', the transitions between sentences feel mechanical and sometimes confusing. The paragraphing is present, but the internal structure of the paragraphs lacks the sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each sentence logically follows the previous one to create a smoother, more coherent narrative of the process.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'water', 'electricity', and 'process'. There are several instances of inaccurate word choice, such as 'water is reverse' instead of 'water is pumped back' and 'reversble turbines are being work'. The spelling of 'reversble', 'inverserd', 'ands', and 'nest' also detracts from the quality of the writing. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to use more precise technical vocabulary related to engineering or processes, such as 'intake', 'discharge', 'cycle', or 'facilitate', and pay closer attention to accurate spelling and word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'this process include'), article usage (e.g., 'at high level reservoir'), and verb tense consistency. Sentence structures are mostly simple or contain errors when attempting complex constructions, such as 'water come back from low level reservoir at high level reservoir'. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including correct verb tenses for describing processes (usually the present simple) and the appropriate use of prepositions and articles.

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

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