Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-01

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)

The layout depicts the process of generation of electricity From water body, specifically by river in the power station.

Overall, The River is the main source illustrated in the process diagram.There is one high level reservoir where water gets stored before further process. Moreover reservoir stores and stops the flowing river's water current right before the dam. Further the dam operates day and night, passing on the water through generator in the power station.

So, let's delve into detailed explaination. First of all the water flows throwgh the concrete structure called dam only during a day , However it remains closeed during the night.

The released water Flows towards Power statipon , where there is a generator with moderate blades which is connected with power lines and then it proceeds to "national grid" . That is none oter than electricity.

Furthermore, the water is also sent back to the high-leevel reservoir with the same way it deposited into low-level resrvoir during the process of electricity generation , keeping the lavel maintained.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the task only partially, earning a band five. While it attempts to summarize the process of the hydroelectric power station, the information provided is somewhat limited and mechanical. For instance, the student states, "the water flows throwgh the concrete structure called dam only during a day, However it remains closeed during the night," which misses the full operational cycle of reversible turbines pumping water back at night. The overview is also basic, stating "The River is the main source illustrated in the process diagram," rather than clearly highlighting the overarching mechanism of electricity generation and water recycling. To reach a higher band, the student must more fully and accurately report the main features and cyclical nature of the diagram without inaccuracies in describing how the day and night stages operate.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

Coherence and cohesion are at a band five level, displaying some organization but lacking a clear overall progression. The student attempts to structure the response with introductory and body sections, beginning with phrases like "Overall..." and "So, let's delve into detailed explaination." However, the logical flow between sentences is occasionally disrupted by informal asides and repetitive transitions. Paragraphing is also somewhat erratic, with awkward spacing and brief, disconnected sentences such as "That is none oter than electricity." Cohesive devices are used mechanically or inaccurately, and referencing is not always clear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the exact sequence of steps. Improving logical sequencing, refining paragraph breaks, and using cohesive ties more naturally would significantly enhance readability.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

Lexical resource sits at a band five, featuring a limited but minimally adequate range of vocabulary. The student uses basic terms related to the process, such as "river," "reservoir," "dam," and "generator," but attempts less common vocabulary result in noticeable errors and misspellings, such as "throwgh," "closeed," "statipon," "oter," "high-leevel," and "resrvoir." Word choice is sometimes imprecise, as seen in phrases like "generation of electricity From water body" or describing the generator as having "moderate blades." These spelling and word-choice errors cause some difficulty for the reader and impede clear communication. To achieve a higher score, the student should expand their range of functional vocabulary and carefully proofread their work to eliminate basic spelling mistakes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

Grammatical range and accuracy reflect a band five performance. The student demonstrates a limited range of structures, relying mostly on simple sentences with occasional attempts at complex forms that are often faulty. There are frequent errors in punctuation, capitalization, and articles, such as starting sentences mid-paragraph without cause, erratic comma splices, and missing articles in expressions like "before further process" and "with the same way." Subject-verb agreement and prepositions also show persistent inaccuracies, such as "water gets stored before further process" or "deposited into low-level resrvoir." These frequent errors cause strain and occasional difficulty for the reader. Incorporating a wider variety of accurate complex sentence structures and exercising better control over basic grammar rules will help elevate this criterion.

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

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