Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-05
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 given diagram shows information how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station.
In general, it is clearly seen that there are several stages in the process of hydroelectric power station and all the stages are essential to compelete the process.
Looking at the diagram in more detail, the water flows from the river and reaches to the high-level reservoir. The water is stored in the dams and then this water is flowed to generate the electicity during the day and during the night water flows when it pumping. du There isd intake of water which is open during the day close during the night.
Moving to the next stage, the generator of power station produce power lines to form national grid. Then, it converted into low-level reservoir. It can be experienced from this process that it is a reversivle process. Turbines operate the generator during the day and water is pumping into the high-level of reservoir.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The response partially addresses the task requirements, failing to reach the minimum word count of 150 words by being 1 word short (9 words copied directly from the prompt were excluded). While the writer attempts to summarize the process of electricity generation, key features are presented with limited detail and notable inaccuracies. For instance, the text states that the generator produces power lines to form the national grid, and confuses the direction of the water flow during the night cycle. The overview is overly simplistic, and the explanation lacks the development and clarity needed for a fully realized report. To achieve a higher band, the student must provide a complete word count, ensure all mechanical steps of the diagram are accurately described without confusion, and extend the main features with clearer comparisons between day and night operations.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response shows some organization, using basic introductory and transitional markers such as 'In general' and 'Looking at the diagram in more detail'. However, there is no clear overall progression, and the logical flow is frequently disrupted by awkward sequencing and abrupt transitions, such as the sudden shift from power lines to the low-level reservoir. Cohesive devices are repetitive or inaccurate, and referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the vague pronoun use in 'it converted into low-level reservoir'. Paragraphing is attempted, but the paragraphs contain disjointed thoughts. To improve, the writer needs to sequence the stages chronologically and logically, ensuring smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs to guide the reader effortlessly through the process.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is limited and minimally adequate for the task. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary, such as 'reservoir', 'reversible', and 'generator', but these attempts are marred by noticeable errors in word choice, form, and spelling, such as 'compelete', 'electicity', 'pumping. du There isd intake', 'close', and 'reversivle'. These lexical errors and awkward collocations cause some difficulty for the reader and impede clear communication. To reach a higher band, the student should expand their range of functional vocabulary related to processes, pay careful attention to word forms (such as adjectives versus verbs), and eliminate spelling mistakes through thorough proofreading.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on basic, repetitive sentence patterns. When the writer attempts more complex sentences, they are frequently faulty, leading to frequent errors in grammar, prepositions, and articles. Examples include 'shows information how electricity is generated', 'the water is flowed', 'when it pumping', and 'water is pumping into the high-level of reservoir'. These errors can cause difficulty and confusion for the reader. To improve, the writer needs to practice forming complex sentences accurately, ensure correct verb tense and voice usage (particularly passive structures required for process descriptions), and maintain better control over basic grammatical agreements and prepositions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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