“Ride the Waves to Band 9: IELTS Task 1 Process

The diagrams show how electricity can be produced using wave power. The process uses a special structure built near a cliff or sea wall. It works by moving air, which turns a turbine and creates electricity.

In the first diagram (A), when a wave enters the chamber, the water level rises and pushes the air upward. This moving air goes through a column and makes the turbine rotate. As a result, electricity is produced.

In the second diagram (B), the wave goes out of the chamber. This time, air flows back down through the column, but the turbine still turns in the same direction. This is because the system is designed to allow air movement in both ways without changing the rotation of the turbine. Electricity continues to be generated.

Overall, the system makes use of both rising and falling waves to keep producing power. The main feature of this design is that the turbine can move in the same direction with both incoming and outgoing air, which ensures a constant supply of electricity.

Band 7 requirements:

1. Task Achievement

Clear overview: “Overall, the system makes use of both rising and falling waves…”
Key features explained: rising water pushes air, falling water pulls air, turbine always rotates.
Comparisons included: explained difference between Diagram A and Diagram B.
Slight risk: could expand a little more on “continuous generation of electricity” or why turbine works same way in both cases. (Adding one sentence can make it stronger.)

2. Coherence and Cohesion

Logical order (A then B then Overall).
Linking words are simple but effective (“when,” “this time,” “overall”).
Repetition is limited, but some sentences start with “This” too often — can vary with “As a result,” “Therefore,” etc.

3. Lexical Resource

Words like produced, generate, rotate, structure, system show range.
Beginner-friendly, no over-complicated words.
Could add variety: instead of “goes out,” use “moves out” or “flows out.”

4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Mostly error-free.
Both simple and complex sentences are used. Example: “This is because the system is designed to allow air movement in both ways…”
Could add more complex structures with “how.” For example: “The diagrams illustrate how electricity is generated from sea waves.” (Yes, using “how” is correct and natural in IELTS introductions.)

Band 8 Requirements:

Let’s take upgrade it to Band 8 level, while still keeping it clear enough.
At Band 8, examiners look for:

Clear overview (main features highlighted, no details).
Well-organised structure with cohesion.
Wide range of vocabulary (but still natural, not forced).
Variety of complex sentences with high accuracy.

Band 8 Sample Report

The diagrams illustrate how electricity can be generated from wave power using a special coastal structure.

Overall, the process relies on the rise and fall of sea waves to move air inside a chamber, which in turn drives a turbine connected to a generator. A key feature of this design is that the turbine rotates in the same direction during both phases, allowing electricity to be produced continuously.

In Diagram A, when a wave enters the chamber, the rising water level forces air upward through a vertical column. This moving air turns the turbine, which is linked to an electricity generator.

In Diagram B, as the wave retreats, the water level drops and air is drawn back into the chamber. Despite the reverse airflow, the turbine continues to rotate in the same direction because of its design. As a result, the generator maintains a steady supply of electricity.

In summary, the system is effective because it harnesses energy from both incoming and outgoing waves, ensuring uninterrupted electricity production.

Why this is Band 8:

Task Achievement: Covers all stages, highlights key feature (turbine direction), provides overview + mini-summary at the end.
Coherence & Cohesion: Logical order, clear connectors (Overall, In Diagram A, In Diagram B, As a result).
Lexical Resource: Uses precise words (illustrates, relies on, forces, harnesses, uninterrupted).
Grammar: Good mix of simple and complex structures, accurate tenses, conditionals avoided (not needed here).

At Band 7, a clear overview is enough. At Band 8, you must explain “why” the system works efficiently (continuous electricity due to same turbine direction).

Here’s how it works in IELTS Writing Task 1:

Band 7 level

Needs a clear overview (the big picture).
Example: “Overall, the system makes use of both rising and falling waves to generate electricity.”
That alone is enough, if the rest of the essay is accurate.

Band 8 level

Needs the overview and a sense of completeness.
This often means adding a mini-summary at the end to show why the system is effective, or what the main pattern means.
Example: “In summary, the system is effective because it harnesses energy from both incoming and outgoing waves, ensuring uninterrupted electricity production.”

Both “overall” and “summary” are doing the same job (highlighting the main idea), but at Band 8 you show deeper insight into why it works or what makes it significant.

So:

Band 7 = overview (general trend / main feature).
Band 8 = overview + more analytical summary (why / how it is effective).

What makes a Band 9 Task 1?

According to IELTS descriptors, Band 9 essays are:

Fully developed (every key feature explained clearly, nothing missed).
Cohesive and seamless (linking is natural, not mechanical).
Wide vocabulary with precision (exact, academic, no repetition).
Varied grammar (complex sentences, passive voice, conditionals if needed, all accurate).
Insightful overview (not just “what happens,” but also why it’s effective/important).

Band 9 Version of Report
The diagrams demonstrate how electricity is produced through the power of ocean waves using a coastal chamber and turbine system.
Overall, the design converts the kinetic energy of waves into electrical energy by forcing air in and out of a chamber. A notable feature is that the turbine rotates in a single, consistent direction regardless of the airflow, which allows uninterrupted power generation.
In the first stage, shown in Diagram A, an incoming wave causes the water level inside the chamber to rise. This upward movement compresses the air above it, forcing the air column through a vent and onto the turbine blades, which then activate the generator.
In the second stage, depicted in Diagram B, the wave recedes and the water level falls. This reversal draws air back down through the column. Despite the opposite direction of airflow, the turbine mechanism ensures rotation continues in the same direction, so the generator maintains electricity production without pause.

In summary, this system is highly efficient because it harnesses energy from both advancing and retreating waves, transforming a natural and repetitive ocean movement into a continuous and reliable source of renewable power.
Why this is Band 9
- Task Achievement: Covers every detail + highlights the turbine’s consistent motion + mentions renewable efficiency.
- Coherence & Cohesion: Seamless transitions (shown in Diagram A, depicted in Diagram B, despite, without pause).
- Vocabulary: Academic precision (kinetic energy, compresses, activates, mechanism, renewable).
- Grammar: Mix of passive & active voice, complex clauses, no errors.
- Insight: Goes beyond description → explains why it’s efficient and its role as a reliable renewable source.
So the progression is:
- Band 7 → General overview.
- Band 8 → Overview + mini-summary with efficiency.
- Band 9 → Fully developed explanation with precise vocabulary, seamless cohesion, and insight into significance (renewable, continuous, reliable).

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