Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)
The diagram illustrates the step by step method of generating electricity in a hydroelectric power station.
Overall, the river flows into the high-level reservoir, which flows to the turbines when the dam opens during the day and operates the generator to produce electricity, while the water enters the low-level-reservoir. In the night, the turbine pumps the water back into the high-level reservoir and the dam closes.
During the day, the dam opens for the water that flowed from the river into the high-level reservoir to generate current. This water hits the turbines and cause it to operate the generator, which is the power station. The generator produces current that transfers to the power lines and to the national grid and electricity is generated. Meanwhile, the water flows and enters the low-level reservoir where it stays till nightfall.
On the other hand, when it's night time, the reversible turbine pumps the water from the low-level reservoir and it flows back into the high-level reservoir after which the dam closes.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by reporting the main features of the hydroelectric power station process, clearly contrasting the daytime generation phase and the nighttime pumping phase. The overview accurately captures the cyclical nature of the process between the high-level reservoir, the reversible turbines, and the low-level reservoir. While the description of the mechanics is slightly convoluted in places—such as stating 'the dam closes' at night when the intake is actually closed—the overall response effectively addresses the prompt and meets the requirements of Task 1 well.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0
The response is arranged coherently with a clear overall progression from an introductory sentence to an overview paragraph, followed by separate paragraphs detailing the daytime and nighttime stages. Cohesive devices are used adequately to guide the reader through the process, such as 'Overall', 'During the day', and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is logical and functional, separating the introduction/overview from the distinct operational phases, though referencing could occasionally be smoother to improve the overall flow.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for a process diagram, using terms such as 'hydroelectric power station', 'reversible turbine', 'national grid', and 'reservoir'. There are some awkward phrasings or minor inaccuracies, such as 'step by step method' and 'generate current' instead of 'generate electricity'. However, the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main steps of the process clearly without impeding the reader's understanding.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The student attempts complex structures, such as relative clauses and adverbial clauses of time (e.g., 'when the dam opens during the day'), with varying degrees of success. There are some grammatical errors and minor slips, such as 'cause it to operate' (subject-verb agreement error with 'water' and 'turbines') and 'In the night' instead of 'At night'. Nevertheless, these errors do not impede communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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