Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of how a power station generates electricity from water for national needs.

Overall, it is a cyclical process, consisting of stages for electricity production and for returning the water to its original source. The process begins with water flowing downward to spin turbines which allows the generator to produce electricity. This is followed by pumping the water up to its source.

First of all, a river continuously flows to a reservoir blocked by a dam. During daytime, a hole is opened right below it so that water can flow to the power station. Inside the station, the flowing water spins a reversible turbine, generating electricity that is stored inside the generator. The electricity is then transferred to the national grid through power lines. Whereas the water that is used is contained in a low-level reservoir.

During night time, stored water in the lower reservoir is pumped upward by the turbines. The flow of water during this time is opposite to the flow during day time. After sufficient amount of water is pumped, the opening below the dam will be closed so that no more water enters the power station.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the hydroelectric power generation process, including the cyclical nature of the day and night operations. You have clearly described the movement of water and the role of the turbine and generator. However, the report could be improved by providing more precise detail regarding the components shown in the diagram, such as the 'intake' and 'power lines' specifically, and by ensuring the distinction between the high-level and low-level reservoirs is more explicitly linked to the overall process. The summary is accurate and covers the key stages well, meeting the requirements for a clear overview and detailed reporting of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the day and night cycles. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices effectively, such as 'First of all', 'Whereas', and 'During night time'. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the connection between the final sentence and the rest of the paragraph could be smoother. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the process, which helps the reader navigate the information efficiently.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'cyclical', 'reversible turbine', and 'national grid' accurately. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'stored inside the generator' (electricity is usually generated by the generator and transmitted, not stored inside it) and 'sufficient amount of water' (which could be more precisely phrased). Overall, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication of the technical process described in the diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'the water that is used is contained in a low-level reservoir' (which is slightly awkward) and 'After sufficient amount of water' (missing an article). However, these errors do not impede communication. You show good control over sentence structure, and the punctuation is generally accurate. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions, which are particularly suitable for describing industrial processes.

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.