Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-14
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)
As far as this diagram is concerned, the given diagram illustrates the generation of electricity in a hydroelectric power station.
Overall, it is clear that many noticeable factors are involved in the production of electricity in a hydroelectric power station and its a complex mechanism which is being carried out to produce electricity.
At first, the river enters the high-level reservoir of the dam. In the day, the intake is open making the river flow towards the power station. In the power station, a generator is present. The water is further made to flow towards low-level reservoir during the day time. Some of the required water is used by the generator to generate electricity. This electricity is then transferred to power lines and then to the national grid. During the night time, the water stored in the low-level reservoir is moved towards the power station because in night time, the generator works as reversible turbines and pump water towards the high level reservoir. When the water reaches the high-level reservoir of the dam, the intake is then closed. In this way, the production of electricity is being carried out in a hydroelectric power station.
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 student attempts to describe the process of electricity generation in a hydroelectric power station shown in the diagram. However, the response has notable limitations in covering all key features adequately. While the text mentions the high-level and low-level reservoirs, the generator, power lines, and the night-time pumping mechanism, the overall summary lacks a clear, structured overview and misses several visual details, such as the specific roles of the intake and outflow valves during different times, or the exact path of the water flow. Furthermore, phrases like 'As far as this diagram is concerned' are unnecessary filler and detract from the task focus. Consequently, the response addresses the task only partially, aligning with Band 5 descriptors.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response shows some basic organization with a separate introduction, overview, and body paragraph sequence. However, the overall progression is somewhat repetitive and disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is rather basic and mechanical, relying heavily on time markers like 'At first', 'In the day', and 'During the night time'. Additionally, paragraphing is underdeveloped; grouping the entire detailed sequential process into a single, dense block paragraph hinders readability and logical flow. Referencing is occasionally unclear, as seen in the phrasing regarding how the water is routed. These features reflect Band 5 cohesion and paragraphing descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates a limited but minimally adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a simple process. Appropriate domain-specific terms such as 'hydroelectric power station', 'reservoir', 'generator', 'power lines', and 'turbines' are successfully utilized. However, word choice and collocations are occasionally awkward, such as 'many noticeable factors are involved' instead of features or stages. There are also informal expressions like 'its a complex mechanism' (with a missing apostrophe) and repetitive use of common words. The lexical range is sufficient for the task, but noticeable limitations place it within Band 5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and conditional time clauses ('When the water reaches...'). However, grammatical control is inconsistent, with frequent errors such as article omissions ('in night time'), punctuation issues ('its a complex mechanism'), and awkward passive constructions ('the production of electricity is being carried out'). While the meaning can generally be understood, errors in grammar and mechanics cause some difficulty for the reader and prevent the response from reaching Band 6.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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