Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-29

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 7.5)

The process diagram illustrates the data on how electrical energy is produced in a hydro electric power station.

Overall, the hydroelectric power station operates in two stages. During the day, water flows downhill to generate electricity, while at night, it is pumped back to the upper reservoir for reuse.

During the day, water from the high-level reservoir (river) flows through the intake towards the power station. It turns the turbines, which operate the generator to produce electricity. The electricity is then sent to the national grid through power lines. At the same time, water moves from the upper reserviour to the lower reserviour through the system.

At night, the intake is closed and the turbines work in reverse. Water from the low-level reservoir is pumped back to the high-level reservoir. This process requirws electricity to oprates the pumps. This water is stored and reused to generate electricity the next day.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and summarising the main features of the hydroelectric power station process diagram. Key components such as the high-level reservoir, intake, reversible turbines, generator, and low-level reservoir are correctly identified. The distinction between daytime electricity generation and nighttime water pumping is clearly reported, capturing the cyclical nature of the process. While a couple of minor spelling errors occur (such as reserviour), the information presented is fully grounded in the visual data and accurately reflects the stages of operation without omitting essential details, satisfying the requirements for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The response is logically organised into four paragraphs: an introduction, an overall summary, and two body paragraphs detailing the daytime and nighttime operations respectively. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, and cohesive devices such as 'During the day', 'At the same time', and 'At night' are used effectively to guide the reader through the chronological steps of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct phases of the diagram, ensuring a smooth and logical progression throughout the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suitable for describing a technical process, incorporating terms such as 'hydroelectric power station', 'reversible turbines', 'national grid', and 'conduit' contextually. Less common lexical items are attempted with general success, though there are a few spelling inaccuracies, such as 'reserviour' instead of 'reservoir', and a typo with 'requirws'. Despite these minor slips, the lexical control is sufficient to convey precise technical details clearly and effectively without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including temporal clauses ('During the day, water from the high-level reservoir flows...') and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are grammatically sound and error-free. However, there are a couple of mechanical and grammatical errors, specifically 'requirws electricity to oprates' in the final paragraph. Aside from these isolated slips, the control over grammar and punctuation is strong and supports clear communication of the cyclical process.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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