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 depicts the production of the electricity in a hydroelectric power station. The process begins from the upstream side of the river towards the downstream side, where electricity is generated with a power station generator.

The process of generation of electricity is quite innovative. The production of electricity only occurred during the daytime, as the intake of the dam is closed at night. The process starts from storing the water in the upstream side of the river at a high-level reservoir. Afterwards, at daytime, the intake of the dam opened, which allows the water to flow from a higher elevation to a lower part, where this flowing water will accommodate in the production of electricity by operating the turbines, which ultimately run the generator that produces electricity, and this will be transferred to the national grid station with the means of power lines.

However, the night cycle is a total reversal from the daytime process, as in night time pumping will occur that will fetch water from low-level reservoirs to high-level reservoirs.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the hydroelectric power generation process, including the distinction between daytime and nighttime operations. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear overview or summary of the overall process. While the key stages are identified, the explanation of the mechanism could be more precise; for instance, the term 'accommodate in the production' is imprecise. The inclusion of the nighttime cycle is a positive feature, but the overall structure lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. To improve, ensure that the main trends or stages are clearly highlighted in an introductory overview.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which is a logical approach. The progression of ideas is generally clear, moving from the general process to the specific daytime and nighttime cycles. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'the process'. Some transitions, like 'However, the night cycle is a total reversal', are effective, but others feel slightly forced. Paragraphing is used appropriately, but the internal flow within paragraphs could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages of the process more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'upstream', 'downstream', 'reservoir', and 'turbines' used correctly. However, there are instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'accommodate in the production' and 'with the means of power lines'. These choices slightly hinder the precision of the description. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for a higher band. Focusing on more precise collocations and avoiding wordy, unnatural phrases will help elevate the lexical quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'the production of the electricity' (unnecessary article), 'intake of the dam opened' (missing auxiliary verb 'is' or 'was'), and 'in night time' (should be 'at night' or 'during the nighttime'). While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, pay closer attention to article usage, subject-verb agreement, and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential when describing technical 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.