Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-01
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 process diagram illustrates how hydroelectric power station generates electricity.
Overall, there are several stages in which electricity is made. To begin, with the first stage construct a dam where a river is flowing to store vast amount of water, after that water is moved toward generator where turbine is rotated with the help of water to make electricity.
To start with first stage, construct a dam in a specific area which is connected with river to build a dam. After building a dam large amount of water is stored in it and spillways are open all the day but closed at night. In third stage, the water which is moved throught spillway goes downs to power station where turbine rotates.
In fourth stage, generator is connected with turbine so when turbine rotates with the pressure of water generator automatically makes electricity then pumps that electricity to power lines and national grid. In day time water is moved toward river but in night time water is pumped back to turbine to built electricity.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the hydroelectric power generation process, but the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks precision. While you identify the dam, turbine, and generator, the explanation of the process is occasionally confusing, particularly the mention of water being pumped back at night, which is not clearly explained in the context of the diagram. The overview is present but could be more effectively integrated. To improve, ensure you clearly distinguish between the daytime and nighttime cycles and avoid repeating the same information in different paragraphs. Focus on reporting the key features clearly rather than narrating the process in a way that feels disjointed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by repetitive phrasing and awkward transitions. For example, you use 'To start with first stage' and 'In third stage' in a way that feels mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes inaccurate, which makes the progression of ideas feel slightly disjointed. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'consequently') and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the sequence of events smoothly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic verbs like 'make', 'moved', and 'built', which are repetitive. There are also some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'built electricity' instead of 'generate electricity' or 'produce electricity'. To improve, try to incorporate more specific technical vocabulary related to the process, such as 'intake', 'conversion', 'transmission', or 'harnessing'. Expanding your range of verbs and nouns will help you describe the process with greater clarity and sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include missing articles (e.g., 'construct a dam'), incorrect verb forms (e.g., 'water is moved throught'), and awkward phrasing (e.g., 'spillways are open all the day'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with several run-on sentences that lack proper conjunctions or full stops. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Proofreading for basic sentence structure errors will significantly enhance the readability of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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