Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-28
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 diagram illustrates the process by which electricity is produced in a hydroelectric power station.
Overall, the electricity generation involves various steps beginning with collecting water in a high-level reservoir and ending with production of electricity in power station.
In detail, initially, a river water collects in high-level reservoir. The intake of water in a dam is opened in day time and it is remained closed at night. In addition, in day, the flow of water is high and move towards power station to generate electricity whereas, at night the flow of water goes back towards dam. This is also called pumping process.
Furthermore, in power station, there is a generator which transfers electricity towards power lines and then afterwards national grid. However, in day, electricity moves in low-level reservoir and at night it goes back. All this process in power station occurs with the help of reversible turbines. In day it operates generator and at night pumps water back towards high-level reservoir.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main features of the hydroelectric power station process diagram. An appropriate overall trend is provided, noting the dual operation involving water collection, daytime electricity generation, and nighttime pumping. Key stages are identified, such as the high-level reservoir, daytime intake opening, reversible turbines, generator, and low-level reservoir. However, there is a minor misinterpretation of the diagram in the final paragraph, where the student states that 'electricity moves in low-level reservoir', whereas the diagram actually indicates that water flows into the low-level reservoir during the day. Despite this minor lapse, the main features are sufficiently reported and compared, aligning well with the Band 6 descriptor.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response exhibits a coherent overall arrangement with a clear division into an introduction, an overview, and body details. Cohesive devices are employed to signal progression, such as 'Overall', 'In detail', 'initially', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore'. However, referencing and cohesion are occasionally faulty or mechanical, as seen in awkward transitions like 'However, in day, electricity moves in low-level reservoir and at night it goes back.' Paragraphing is used, but the third and fourth paragraphs could be better structured to separate the day and night cycles more logically. Progression is sometimes hindered by imprecise linking of ideas.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'hydroelectric power station', 'reservoir', 'intake', 'reversible turbines', 'generator', and 'national grid'. However, there are noticeable word choice errors and awkward collocations, such as 'a river water collects in high-level reservoir' (missing articles) and 'it is remained closed' (incorrect passive voice). Less common lexical items are attempted but lack precision. Spelling is generally accurate, but vocabulary limitations and minor inaccuracies prevent the response from achieving a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over grammar. Examples include 'The diagram illustrates the process by which electricity is produced...' and 'The intake of water in a dam is opened in day time and it is remained closed at night.' However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('in high-level reservoir', 'in day time'), prepositions, and verb forms ('it is remained closed', 'water collects', 'move towards'). While these errors do not severely impede overall communication, they persist throughout the text, restricting the score to Band 5.5.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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