Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-10-15

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 provides the information about the procedure of electricity production from the hydro power station. Overall, it is apparent that water flow from the higher reservoir to lower reservoir in a day time while in night times water flows back to higher reservoir.The dams have built on the higher place.

In the daytime, the water flow from the higher side to down side by passing through pipes and the water run the turbines which is connected with the generator to generate electricity. Furthermore, the electricity passed to national grid through the power lines. In addition, after turning te turbines the water reached the low-level reservoir.

In a night time, the water transfer back to the higher reservoir with the help of water pumps.The turbines is specific which is turn into the water pump in night time. Furthermore, during the night the water pump back to higher reservoir the intake valve is closed in night time and opened in day time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You identify the main cycle accurately: during the day, water moves from the high-level to the low-level reservoir, drives the turbines and generator, and electricity is sent to the national grid; at night, water is pumped back uphill. The overview also highlights the day/night contrast, and you include the intake’s different positions. These are the central features, so the response addresses the task well. Some details are less fully explained: for example, the river feeds the upper reservoir, and the dam contains it, while the reversible turbines perform both roles. The statement “The dams have built on the higher place” is unclear and does not accurately describe the dam’s position. Clarifying these points and describing the process more precisely would strengthen the account.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction and overview are followed by separate descriptions of daytime and nighttime operation. This makes the process easy to follow, and sequencing phrases such as “In the daytime” and “In a night time” help distinguish the two phases. However, some links are mechanical or repetitive, particularly the repeated use of “Furthermore” and “In addition.” The final sentence also repeats the nighttime pumping information rather than adding a distinct stage, and the connection between the intake and the water’s route could be made clearer. Use a wider range of precise sequencing and contrast markers, and ensure each sentence advances the process rather than restating an earlier point.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “reservoir,” “turbines,” “generator,” “intake valve,” and “national grid,” which allows the reader to understand the main stages. There are also attempts at more specific wording, such as “low-level reservoir” and “power lines.” However, several choices are inaccurate or unnatural: “hydro power station,” “higher side,” “down side,” and “water pumps” do not consistently describe the diagram’s components and movement. “The turbines is specific” is also an unclear expression. Aim for accurate collocations and consistent technical terms, such as “hydroelectric power station,” “upper reservoir,” and “water is pumped back.” This greater precision would make the description more fluent and less dependent on repeated general words such as “water” and “higher.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more developed sentences, including clauses introduced by “while” and “which,” and the overall meaning is generally recoverable. However, errors occur across the response and sometimes make relationships between stages less clear. Examples include “water flow” instead of “water flows,” “the turbines which is connected,” and “The turbines is,” where subject–verb agreement is incorrect. Tense and passive forms also need attention: “The dams have built” should be “The dam is built,” and “the electricity passed” should be “electricity is transmitted.” Articles and sentence boundaries are inconsistent, as in “In a night time” and the missing space after “pumps.” Practise accurate present-simple process descriptions and check agreement, articles, and punctuation.

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