Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-30
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 5.5)
The Given Diagram illustrates the process of generating electricity in a hydroelectric power station.
According to the diagram, water is stored in dams, and then that stored water is being used for the turbine movement. This motion rotates the generator and electricity is produced in this way.
Now, lets discuss the power generation in step by step manner. Initially water is stored in the dam, that is built on the higher level. Therefore, water stored in that dam has a potential energy in it. Then the next step is opening the water gates of the dam, that allows the water to flow on the turbines. These gates only open in day time, and remain closed in the night.
Next step is flow of water on the turbines, that tend the turbines to rotate, as a result generator starts producing electricity. Electricity generated through this mechanism is then reaches in the National grid, travelling through the power lines.
Finally, the process of electricity generation completes, however there is another thing to mention, that the water through which electricity is produced is again pushed on the turbines from the reservoir. So the Process of electricity generation keeps going at night as well.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the hydroelectric power station process. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial and relies on informal phrasing like 'Now, lets discuss'. The description of the process is generally accurate, but the inclusion of the claim that gates only open during the day is an external assumption not supported by the typical diagram of this process, which often shows a continuous flow. To reach a higher band, you should focus on objective reporting of the visual data provided rather than adding personal commentary or unverified details. The overview is also missing, which is a key requirement for Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by informal transitions such as 'Now, lets discuss' and 'however there is another thing to mention'. These phrases are too conversational for an academic report. While there is some attempt at sequencing with 'Initially' and 'Next step', the overall structure feels disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more effectively used to separate the distinct stages of the process (e.g., intake, generation, and distribution).
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and academic tone required for higher bands. Phrases like 'that tend the turbines to rotate' and 'reaches in the National grid' are slightly awkward and demonstrate limited control over collocation. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'stored' and 'produced'. To improve, you should incorporate more precise technical terminology related to energy production and ensure that your word choices are more formal and varied.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'that is built on the higher level' (should be 'at a higher level'), 'flow of water on the turbines' (should be 'onto'), and 'reaches in the National grid' (should be 'reaches the national grid'). Additionally, there are punctuation issues, such as the missing apostrophe in 'lets' and unnecessary commas. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to lower the score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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