Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-05

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 6.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of electricity production in a hydroelectric power plant.

Overall, the process is differ between the day and night and involved the building of a high-level reservoir, a low-level reservoir, and a power plant.

To begin with, water originates from the river and it collected in a reservoir which is built higher than the power plant. After that, the water is held in the reservoir by a dam. During the day, the dam allows water to flow rapidly through the turbines in the power station, causing them to rotate. As a result, the energy of the turbine's movement is converted into electricity, which them supplies to national grid via power lines.

Continuing this process, the water is collected by a another reservoir which is built at a lower height from the dam. In contrast, during the night, the water in the low-level reservoir is pumped back into the first one, driving the turbines to rotate in opposite direction as compared to the day.

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 distinction between day and night operations. You have clearly described the movement of water between the high-level and low-level reservoirs and the role of the turbines. The overview is functional, though it could be improved by explicitly mentioning the cyclical nature of the process as a key feature. All parts of the diagram are addressed, and the information is presented in a logical, step-by-step manner. To reach a higher band, ensure that the comparison between the two phases is slightly more analytical, perhaps by highlighting the reversal of the turbine function more clearly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a logical progression of steps. You have used cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'After that', 'As a result', and 'In contrast' to guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing, such as 'which them supplies', where the pronoun usage is incorrect. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial generation phase from the night-time pumping phase. Overall, the flow of information is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'hydroelectric power plant', 'reservoir', 'turbines', and 'national grid'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'the process is differ' (should be 'differs') and 'which them supplies' (should be 'which is then supplied'). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more precise control over verb forms and relative clauses. The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but incorporating more precise technical collocations would elevate the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you successfully use passive voice constructions, which are appropriate for process descriptions, there are several grammatical slips. Examples include 'the process is differ' (subject-verb agreement), 'a another reservoir' (article error), and 'which them supplies' (pronoun/passive voice error). These errors are noticeable but do not prevent the reader from understanding the process. To improve, focus on ensuring that relative clauses and passive constructions are grammatically complete and that subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.

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

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