Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The diagram presents how the electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station. Which gives information about step by step to complete the process.
Overall, The process of the hydroelectric power plant is showing us how the power supply works, easy to access and easy to use as long as people know how to discipline and how to handle it carefully.
In detail, the flow of power supply starts from the River with a high level of reservoir which is covered by a big dam with an intake Day and Night which Day is open and Night is closed, the flow of water to generate the electricity on a day current is from the top to the right down part going to the power station or generator, where the power lines and national grid are there to help with the supply of the power, while the reservoir are open during day the level of water is low. and it helps to operate the generator with reversible turbines. Meanwhile, when the dam was closed the flow of water was pumping from bottom to left going upward, thus the night time will help the water from the reservoir to pump into a high level of the water.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to describe the process but fails to provide a clear, objective summary of the diagram. Instead of focusing on the mechanical process, the writer includes irrelevant personal commentary about 'how to discipline' and 'how to handle it carefully,' which is not present in the diagram. While the main stages are mentioned, the description is confusing and inaccurate in places, such as the claim that the reservoir level is low during the day. The response lacks a clear overview of the cyclical nature of the process, which is a key feature of the diagram. To improve, focus strictly on the visual information provided and avoid adding external opinions or subjective interpretations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical flow is weak. The transition between the introduction and the body is abrupt, and the sentences within the body paragraph are often disjointed. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'In detail' and 'Meanwhile,' but they are sometimes used incorrectly or do not effectively link the ideas. The referencing is also unclear; for example, the phrase 'which Day is open and Night is closed' is confusingly integrated into the sentence structure. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each sentence follows logically from the previous one would significantly enhance the clarity of the report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and often imprecise. There is a reliance on basic terms like 'big,' 'help,' and 'flow.' Some word choices are inappropriate for a formal report, such as 'discipline' and 'handle it carefully.' There are also issues with collocation and word formation, such as 'intake Day and Night' and 'right down part.' To reach a higher band, you should use more precise, technical vocabulary related to engineering or processes, such as 'intake valve,' 'generate electricity,' or 'pump water back.' Expanding your range of vocabulary will help you describe the diagram more accurately and professionally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede understanding. There are issues with sentence fragments, such as 'Which gives information about step by step to complete the process,' and incorrect verb tenses, such as 'when the dam was closed the flow of water was pumping.' Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary capitalization and misplaced periods. While there is an attempt at complex sentence structures, they are often faulty, leading to confusion. Focusing on basic sentence construction—ensuring every sentence has a clear subject and verb—and proofreading for tense consistency would be a good starting point for improvement.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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