Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-26
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 4.0)
The diagram illustrates show how the electricity is created in a hydroelectricity power station Overall, the electricity generated a few step first one is river and river to store in dam next the dam the flow of water to generate electricity next the water to power station in generator through to power line to national grid and night reversible turbines day the flow if
water during pumping
In details, the electricity produced first step is river while the river water convert into Dam netx step is the dam flow of water to generate electricity from power station generator and electricity throw to power lines to national grid in the process of day
In the night the reversible turbines day mean the operator generator night pump into high level reservoir and
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0
The response is severely under the 150-word minimum, containing only 130 words. Furthermore, the content fails to adequately summarize the process. While the writer attempts to mention key elements such as the river, dam, power station, and night-time pumping, the description is fragmented, highly confusing, and incomplete. The distinction between day and night operations is muddled and fails to present a clear overview of how the hydroelectric power station functions in a cyclical manner. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed, earning a band score of 4.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0
Information and ideas are not arranged coherently. The text lacks logical organization and clear progression, breaking down into disjointed phrases and incomplete fragments, particularly towards the end where sentences trail off. Paragraphing is inappropriate and unstructured, with run-on sentences and a lack of standard punctuation. Cohesive devices are either missing or misused, making it extremely difficult for the reader to follow the sequence of the diagram. The overall arrangement fails to meet the criteria for higher bands.
Lexical Resource: Band 4.0
The vocabulary used is extremely basic, repetitive, and imprecise. Words are frequently misused or distorted, such as 'electricity is created' instead of generated, and 'electricity throw to power lines' instead of transmitted. There is a lack of control over standard lexical items related to process diagrams (e.g., flow, reservoir, turbine). Frequent word-choice errors and non-standard phrasing severely strain the reader's comprehension, reflecting a level consistent with Band 4.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.0
Grammatical control is very weak. The response displays a severely limited range of sentence structures, consisting mostly of broken, ungrammatical clauses and run-on sentences lacking proper verbs and subjects (e.g., 'In the night the reversible turbines day mean the operator generator night pump into high level reservoir and'). Punctuation is largely absent, and capitalization is erratic. Errors are frequent and often distort the intended meaning, resulting in a band score of 4.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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