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 give illustrates the process of generation of electricity in a hydroelectric power station. The diagram shows the process in two times : Day & Night.
As it can be seen, the flow of water from the river is stopped by a dam. The dam open the intake in the day & the water is flowed through it to generate electricity. Then the water is goes to power station in which a generator is present. Inside it, the water entres reversible turbines which operates the generator. The generator is connected to power lines which are connected to national grid. After entering reversible turbines, the water flows into low-level reservoir. During this process, the electricity is generated.
This process goes opposite during night. Because in night time, the water from low-level reservoir flows into reversible generator & then get pumped towards dam & finally it flows into the high-level reservoir.
To conlude, the generation of electricity by water goes in two direction:one goes from high-level reservoir to low-level reservoir & the other is the opposite. Flow from high-to low level reservoir generates electricity & flow from low to high level reservoir uses electricity to pump water up.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the two distinct phases (day and night) and the movement of water between reservoirs. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks precision in technical terminology. For instance, the explanation of the 'reversible turbines' and the generator's role is slightly repetitive and could be more clearly integrated. While the main features are reported, the comparison between the two processes could be more analytical. The summary is accurate but lacks the depth required for a higher band, as it focuses on a step-by-step narrative rather than synthesizing the overall mechanism effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for the two processes, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'As it can be seen', 'Then', 'During this process', and 'To conclude' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel mechanical or slightly repetitive. The referencing is generally clear, though the flow between sentences could be improved to sound more natural. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the day and night cycles, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are some awkward phrasings, such as 'The diagram give illustrates' (a grammatical error affecting lexical flow) and 'the water is goes to power station'. The use of terms like 'reversible turbines' and 'high-level reservoir' is accurate, but the overall range is limited. The student relies on basic verbs like 'flows', 'goes', and 'connected'. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to mechanical processes and energy generation.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'The diagram give illustrates', 'the water is flowed', 'the water is goes', and 'the water entres reversible turbines which operates'. Subject-verb agreement and passive voice construction are inconsistent. While the meaning remains clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar prevent the response from reaching a higher band. More attention to verb forms and article usage is needed to improve accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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