Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
The given diagram illustrates the working and generation of electricity in a hydroelectric power station, where electricity is generated in several steps.
Overall, the power station consists of a two way water flow system, where during the day the water flows to the generator turbines and then twards the low level reservoir to generate electricity, whereas during the night the water is pumped back to high-level reservoir.
The dam is constructed on the river to store water at a high level. During the day the water is flowed twards the main power station containing the generator using the gravitational force. The water spins the generator turbines and the power is generated. The electricity is then transmited to the national grid with the help of power lines connected to the power station. The water is then stored in a low level reservoir.
As the sun goes down the water is pumped back from the lower level of reservoir to the higher level reservoir. In this way the whole process is repeated again to generate electricity.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response successfully addresses all parts of the visual prompt by outlining the main features of how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station. The student identifies key stages, including water storage, the flow of water during the day to drive generator turbines, transmission to the national grid, low-level reservoir storage, and night-time pumping back to the high-level reservoir. Comparisons or distinctions between daytime and night-time operations are clearly established. The overview effectively summarises the dual-phase cycle. Although some minor details are described in a slightly straightforward manner, all core information is accurately reported and well-developed, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The text exhibits a clear overall progression and logical organisation throughout. Information is grouped logically, starting with an introductory overview paragraph, followed by details of the daytime generation process, and concluding with the night-time pumping mechanism. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct phases of the diagram. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'During the day', 'The electricity is then', and 'As the sun goes down' are employed to guide the reader smoothly through the process, although referencing and linking are at times slightly formulaic, preventing a higher score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, successfully conveying technical concepts related to power generation such as 'generator turbines', 'gravitational force', 'national grid', and 'low level reservoir'. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary ('two way water flow system', 'transmited'), but there are occasional spelling and word choice inaccuracies, such as 'twards' instead of 'towards', and 'transmited' instead of 'transmitted'. Despite these minor flaws, the lexical range is sufficient to maintain clarity and precision, aligning well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses and temporal dependent clauses ('where electricity is generated in several steps', 'As the sun goes down the water is pumped back'). There are some grammatical and punctuation errors present, notably prepositional and spelling issues like 'lower level of reservoir' instead of 'lower level reservoir' and repeated spelling errors with 'twards'. However, these errors do not impede communication, and the sentence structures remain generally understandable. Control over grammar is solid enough to merit a Band 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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