Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-09

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of production of electricity in a hydroelectric power station. The process is systematically organized and operates differently in the day time compared to the night time.

The mechanism of electricity generation begins with a huge water resource such as a river. The water starts accumulating in a high-level reservoir at the starting end, whereas water ends flowing in a low-level reservoir at the end of the process. A dam is constructed to create a high-level reservoir and flow of water is allowed from beneath the dam, called as intake which is open in the daytime and closed in nighttime. Further, the flow of water is towards the power station in the daytime to generate electricity, and in contrast there is a reverse flow towards high-level reservoir in the nighttime during pumping.

Meanwhile, the power station is the main source of electricity production which consists of a generator and reversible turbines. Reversible turbines works effectively in morning time to operate generator and helps in pumping the water into high-level reservoir in the nighttime. Additionally, it provides a route towards the low-level reservoir in day and works in opposite direction at night.

Lastly, the generator is connected to power lines and followed by national grid to transmit the hydroelectricity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the hydroelectric power station, specifically the cyclical nature of the process between day and night. You clearly described the roles of the reservoir, dam, turbines, and generator. However, the response could be improved by more precisely highlighting the contrast between the two phases. For example, explicitly stating that the process is a closed-loop system would have added clarity. You have covered all parts of the task well, and the information is accurate based on the provided diagram. The overview is functional, but could be more integrated into the flow of the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the general process to the specific components. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the mechanism from the power station components. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'meanwhile', 'additionally', and 'in contrast', which help the flow. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For instance, the phrase 'followed by national grid' is a bit abrupt. Overall, the information is easy to follow, and the logical structure is consistent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms like 'hydroelectric', 'reservoir', 'reversible turbines', and 'generator' correctly. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'water ends flowing' (should be 'water flows') and 'called as intake' (should be 'known as the intake'). While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, these occasional inaccuracies prevent a higher score. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the process clearly, but lacks the precision and sophistication required for the higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'Reversible turbines works' (subject-verb agreement) and 'in morning time' (missing article). Additionally, the phrase 'water ends flowing in a low-level reservoir' is awkward. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles, as well as refining the structure of your complex sentences to ensure they are error-free.

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

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