Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
THE DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATES THE PROCESS OF GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY IN A HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION.
OVERALL, THE ELECRTICITY IS PROCUCED BY THE FLOW OF WATER FROM THE RIVER. IN THIS PROCESS TURBINE PLAYS A CRUCIAL ROLE IN ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION,AS ITS ROLE IS DIFFERENT IN DAY AND IN NIGHT.
TO BEGIN WITH, THE RIVERS ARE THE MAIN SOURCE IN THIS PROCESS. THE WATER FROM THE RIVER IS STORED IN THE HIGH LEVEL RESERVOIR, MAINLY KNOWN AS DAM.IN DAY TIME THE WATER IS ALLOWEDE TO FLOW THROUGH THE TURBINE IN ORDER TO ROTATE THE TURBINE, SO AS TO OPERATE THE GENERATOR. THIS WATER IS TRANSFERED TO LOW LEVEL RESERVIOR AND THE ELECTRICITY PRODUCED IN MOVED BY POWER LINES TO NATIONAL GRIDS.
FURTHERMORE, THE AMOUNT OF WATER WHICH IS TRANSFERED TO LOWER LEVEL RESERVOIR DURING DAYTIME IS PUMPED BACK TO THE HIGH LEVEL RESERVOIR DURING NIGHT TIME. WHILE PUMPING THE ATER BACK, THE TURBINES ARE USED TO PUMP IT .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student successfully addresses the main features of the diagram detailing electricity generation in a hydroelectric power station, covering both daytime and nighttime phases. The overview highlights the key mechanism where water flows from a river through a turbine. However, the response contains some inaccuracies and oversimplifications regarding the process, such as referring to the high-level reservoir primarily as a dam rather than the reservoir itself. While all main parts of the diagram are touched upon, the development is slightly limited and under-developed in places, specifically regarding how power lines transmit electricity to the national grid. Despite these minor lapses in technical accuracy and depth, the student covers the overall task requirements adequately and provides a clear summary of the cyclical nature of the power station. Therefore, this performance aligns well with the requirements for a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response features a logical overall arrangement, moving from an introductory statement to the daytime process and subsequently the nighttime operations. Cohesive devices are employed to structure the text, such as "OVERALL", "TO BEGIN WITH", and "FURTHERMORE". However, there are some mechanical transitions and formatting issues, notably the use of all capital letters for the first two paragraphs, which detracts slightly from formal academic presentation. Paragraphing is attempted, although the divisions could be more balanced. Referencing is generally clear, though the repetition of phrases like "low level reservior" and "high level reservoir" causes some cohesion to feel slightly mechanical. Overall, the text demonstrates a coherent structure that allows the reader to follow the sequential steps of the process easily, justifying a score of 6.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as "hydroelectric power station", "reservoir", "turbine", "generator", and "national grids". However, there are several noticeable spelling errors and word-form inaccuracies, including "ELECRTICITY", "PROCUCED", "ALLOWEDE", "TRANSFERED", "RESERVIOR", and "ATER". These lexical and orthographic slips reflect a Band 5 level of control. While the range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic mechanical steps of the process, the frequent spelling mistakes and minor word-choice inaccuracies mean that the lexical resource cannot achieve a higher band. Consequently, a band score of 5.0 is appropriate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and prepositional phrases such as "the amount of water which is transfered to lower level reservoir during daytime is pumped back..." Grammatical control is generally adequate for basic communication, but there are persistent errors in punctuation, capitalization, and minor grammatical structures. Specifically, articles are occasionally omitted or misused, and spelling errors like "TRANSFERED" intertwine with syntax. While the complex sentences attempted are sometimes slightly clumsy, they do not severely impede comprehension. The mix of simple and complex structures alongside noticeable mechanical errors places this response firmly at Band 5.5.
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