Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The process chart demonstrates the various stages involved in the formation of electricity in hydroelectric power plant.

First and foremost, the water flows through the river with high level reservoir by dam. Then, flow of water is going to generate electricity in day. Thereafter, generator in power station makes power lines to national grid. In addition, reversible turbines pump water into high level reservoir during night.

Secondly, water flows in night with pumping system available in reversible turbines. Furthermore, intake of water in day was opened. Nevertheless, during night it was closed in high level reservoir.

Overall, it is clearly seen that the whole process includes various process activities in the generation of electricity in hydroelectric power station begin with water flows through dam, ending with intake of water in day and night.

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 attempted to describe the process, the information is presented in a fragmented manner, and several key features of the diagram—such as the specific components of the power station—are not clearly explained. The summary lacks a clear overview of the cyclical nature of the process. To improve, you must ensure you reach the word count and provide a more detailed, step-by-step description of the mechanical stages shown in the diagram, ensuring all parts of the task are fully addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow between sentences is often disjointed. You use some cohesive devices like 'First and foremost', 'Thereafter', and 'Nevertheless', but they are sometimes used incorrectly or do not logically connect the ideas. For instance, the transition between the daytime and nighttime operations is abrupt. The referencing is also occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the sequence of events. To improve, focus on using cohesive devices more naturally and ensure that each sentence builds logically upon the previous one to create a smooth progression of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'flows', 'water', and 'makes', which do not demonstrate the range required for a higher band. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'formation of electricity' instead of 'generation of electricity' and 'makes power lines to national grid' which is imprecise. To improve, try to incorporate more specific technical vocabulary related to hydroelectric power, such as 'turbine', 'reservoir', 'intake', and 'transmission', and focus on using more precise verbs to describe the mechanical processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'in high level reservoir by dam' (missing articles), 'generator in power station makes power lines' (awkward phrasing), and 'intake of water in day was opened' (inconsistent tense usage). There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases throughout the text. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring consistent verb tenses, and paying closer attention to the use of articles ('a', 'the') and prepositions.

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

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