Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-20
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)
Map presents the whole procedure of current production in a hydroelectric power station
overall, dam and generator plays crucial role in supply of current.in power station turbines are also adjusted that controls flow of water in and out during day and night time.
In river dams are inserted that stimulates or stops the speed of water in dam high resistance reservoirs are present during day time reservoirs open so that water can flow the water that flows during day time is used for the production of electricity.Water goes in power station where generators are adjusted. Electricity produced in these generator is given to power lines.For continuous flow of water during day time turbines are on low level reservoir and at night its resistance increased and water moves backward in dam to keep water in dam.
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, mentioning the high-level reservoir, dam, turbines, and generators. However, the response falls significantly short of the 150-word minimum requirement, containing only 135 words, which incurs a mandatory penalty under Task Achievement. Furthermore, the description contains several inaccuracies and a misunderstanding of the dual-cycle process shown in the diagram, particularly the nighttime pumping mechanism and the flow direction between the reservoirs. The overview is weak and lacks a clear summary of the main stages. Consequently, the response achieves a band score of 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay lacks proper paragraphing, presented mostly as a single block of text with poor punctuation and capitalization, such as starting sentences with lowercase letters ('in power station', 'In river'). Cohesive devices are minimal and mechanical, and referencing is often unclear, making the progression of the process difficult to follow. For example, phrases like 'In river dams are inserted that stimulates or stops the speed of water' lack smooth transitions and logical connectivity. While there is a basic attempt to sequence the stages from the reservoir to the generator and power lines, the lack of paragraph division and faulty cohesive ties pull the score down to 5.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The student uses basic and repetitive vocabulary throughout the response, such as repeating 'water', 'dam', 'day', and 'power station'. There are also awkward word choices and collocations, such as 'supply of current', 'turbines are also adjusted', and 'resistance increased', which do not accurately reflect the technical nature of the diagram. Spelling and word formation are generally acceptable, but the limited range of vocabulary and frequent reliance on imprecise terms restrict the response to a band 5.0. To improve, the student needs to incorporate more precise topic-specific vocabulary related to engineering processes and mechanical operations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The text displays a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying mostly on simple sentences with frequent structural errors. There are multiple punctuation and capitalization errors, including missing periods and commas, fused sentences, and lowercase letters at the beginnings of sentences (e.g., 'current.in power station'). Complex structures are rarely attempted, and when they are, they often contain grammatical inaccuracies or awkward phrasing, such as 'the water that flows during day time is used for the production of electricity.' Frequent errors in subject-verb agreement and article usage further hinder readability, resulting in a band score of 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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