Academic Writing Task 1 · process diagram

The process of generating electricity using a geothermal power plant: IELTS Writing Task 1 sample answer

An IELTS Writing Task 1 process diagram question with a Band 8 sample answer, the chart redrawn with its data, the vocabulary that lifts the report and how to write about process diagrams.
  • 182 words
  • Process diagrams
  • Academic
  • 20 minutes

The question

The diagram below shows how geothermal energy is used to produce electricity.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. Write at least 150 words.

Geothermal power plant operation
  1. 1.Cold water is stored at the surface
  2. 2.Cold water is pumped down a 4.5 km injection well
  3. 3.Water travels through the geothermal zone of hot rocks
  4. 4.Hot water is pumped up through the production well
  5. 5.Hot water is converted to steam in the condenser
  6. 6.Steam powers a turbine connected to a generator to produce electricity

Chart redrawn by BandLadder from the data in the original IELTS practice task. Many IELTS practice tasks come from the Cambridge IELTS series (Cambridge University Press & Assessment); all rights in the original tasks remain with their owners.

Model answer

Band 8 sample answer

Band 8182 words. Every figure in the answer comes from the chart above.

The provided diagram illustrates the mechanical process by which a geothermal power plant converts underground heat into electrical energy. Overall, the system operates as a continuous cycle, utilising a deep injection well to transport cold water to a geothermal zone, where it is heated before being returned to the surface to drive a turbine.

Initially, cold water is held at the surface before being pumped down an injection well that reaches a depth of 4.5 kilometres. Once underground, the water circulates through a geothermal zone consisting of hot rocks, which significantly increases its temperature. This heated water is subsequently forced upwards through a production well.

Upon reaching the surface, the hot water enters a condenser, where it is transformed into steam. This steam is then directed into a turbine, causing it to rotate. The turbine is mechanically linked to a generator, which converts this kinetic energy into electricity. Finally, the generated power is transmitted via an electricity pylon for distribution. The entire process relies on the natural thermal energy of the earth to maintain the cycle of steam production and power generation.

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Process diagrams

How to write about process diagrams: tips and vocabulary

  • →Say how many stages there are and where the process starts and ends.
  • →Use the passive and sequencers: first, after this, once, finally.
  • →Keep every stage; a missing step costs task achievement.
  • illustrates

    shows or makes clear by using a diagram

  • continuous cycle

    a series of events that repeat indefinitely

  • subsequently

    happening after something else in a sequence

  • transformed

    changed completely in form or appearance

  • mechanically linked

    connected physically to transfer motion or power

  • relies on

    depends on something to function or succeed

Frequently asked questions

What should the overview say?+

The process involves a closed-loop system where cold water is heated by underground rocks to produce steam, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity.

How many words and how long for IELTS Writing Task 1?+

At least 150 words; 170 to 200 is the safe range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

How is IELTS Writing Task 1 scored?+

On four criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, vocabulary, and grammatical range and accuracy. A clear overview of the main features is what most separates Band 6 from Band 7 and above.

How do I describe process diagrams?+

Say how many stages there are and where the process starts and ends. Use the passive and sequencers: first, after this, once, finally. Keep every stage; a missing step costs task achievement.

Keep practising

More process diagrams

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