Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-08
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)
This diagram was show how electricity generated in a hydroelectric power station. Overall, the process has two main stages: electricity is produced during the day using water from the high level reservoir, while at night, water is pumped back to the upper reservoir for reuse.
During the daytime, water from the high-level reservoir for reuse. They pump water from low level reservoir back up through the pipe to the high level reservior. During this period, the inlet from the river is closed.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, as it is only 82 words long. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While you have identified the main stages of the process, the description is significantly underdeveloped. You have omitted key details from the diagram, such as the power station itself, the turbine, the generator, and the specific flow of water during the electricity generation phase. To improve, you must provide a more comprehensive overview of all components shown in the diagram and ensure you meet the length requirement to allow for full development of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response is organized into two short paragraphs, which is a positive start. However, the progression of ideas is hindered by the lack of detail and the abrupt nature of the sentences. Cohesive devices are used sparingly, such as 'Overall' and 'During the daytime', but the connection between the two stages is not clearly articulated. The second paragraph contains a confusing repetition of information regarding the pumping of water, which disrupts the logical flow. To improve, ensure that each sentence follows logically from the previous one and use a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages of the process.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive, such as the repeated use of 'reservoir' and 'water'. There are also issues with word choice and accuracy, such as 'This diagram was show', which is grammatically incorrect and lexically imprecise. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe a technical process effectively. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific terminology related to hydroelectric power, such as 'turbine', 'generator', 'intake', and 'electricity generation', and avoid repeating the same nouns and verbs throughout the text.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors that impede the clarity of the writing. For example, 'This diagram was show' should be 'This diagram shows', and 'water from the high-level reservoir for reuse' is a sentence fragment lacking a main verb. Additionally, there are issues with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency. The range of sentence structures is very limited, consisting mostly of simple sentences. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring every sentence has a clear subject and verb, and attempt to use more complex structures like passive voice, which is essential for describing processes.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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