Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-31

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 diagram illustrates the process of generating power using dam water in a hydroelectric power plant.

Overall, it follows a cyclical, two-phase process to produce hydroelectricity that operates in opposite directions depending on the time of day. Major steps include releasing water downwards during daytime and pumping it back up at night.

During the daytime phase, a high-level reservoir stores river water. When the intake is opened, the water is released into the power station. The force of water spins the reversible turbines which is connected to a generator. The water moves down into the low-level reservoir. Furthermore, the generated electricity is passed onto the national grid using power lines.

On the other hand, during the night, the water stored in a low-level reservoir is sent back up to the high-level reservoir using the same reversible turbines which was used to generate the electricity. The passage used to pass water down is used again to pump the water into the high-level reservoir.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively covers all key stages of the hydroelectric power generation process. You have clearly identified the two-phase nature of the system (daytime generation and night-time pumping) and highlighted the main components such as the reservoirs, turbines, and generator. The overview is concise and provides a good summary of the cyclical process. To reach a higher band, ensure that all minor details, such as the role of the 'power lines' or the specific directional flow, are integrated even more seamlessly into the comparative analysis. Overall, the task is well-addressed with a clear focus on the main features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the distinct phases of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'During the daytime phase', 'Furthermore', and 'On the other hand' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence. Paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is smooth. The referencing is generally clear, though the transition between the description of the turbine and the generator could be slightly more fluid to enhance the overall flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical process description, such as 'cyclical', 'reversible turbines', and 'high-level reservoir'. The terminology is accurate and fits the context well. There is sufficient flexibility to describe the process without repetition. To improve further, consider incorporating more precise verbs or collocations related to mechanical processes, such as 'facilitate' or 'harness', to demonstrate a wider range of sophisticated lexical items.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are accurate and easy to follow. However, there are a few minor grammatical slips, such as subject-verb agreement issues (e.g., 'turbines which is connected' should be 'turbines which are connected' and 'turbines which was used' should be 'turbines which were used'). Despite these occasional errors, the meaning is never obscured, and the control of complex structures is generally strong.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.