The diagrams show the structure of solar panel and its use.

Practice this IELTS Writing Task 1 question on IELTSX. The diagrams show the structure of solar panel and its use.

Structure and use of a simple solar panel - IELTS Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Write at least 150 words.

IELTS Writing Task 1 chart for Structure and use of a simple solar panel
Chart supplied with the IELTS Writing Task 1 question: Structure and use of a simple solar panel

A student's answer to this task, and the feedback on it

Written by an IELTSX user under exam conditions and published unedited and anonymously. Band 9 ยท 165 words.

The diagram illustrates how a simple solar panel can be used to heat either air or water. Overall, the process consists of a shared initial stage, followed by two possible outcomes depending on whether air or water enters the panel.

To begin with, sunlight passes through a sheet of transparent glass and heats the dark surface located beneath it inside the panel. This heat is subsequently transferred to whichever substance is passing through the box at the time, namely either air or water.

In the first version of the process, cold air enters the panel through an inlet on one side. As it moves through the box, it gradually absorbs heat before exiting through an outlet on the opposite side as warm air.

In the second version, cold water follows a broadly similar path. It enters through an inlet and passes through a coiled pipe positioned inside the box, which allows it to absorb heat gradually, before finally leaving through an outlet as warm water.

Examiner feedback

This is an exceptional response that meets the criteria for Band 9. It provides a clear, concise, and highly accurate description of the diagrams with a perfect balance of overview and detail.

Task Achievement - 9

- The response fully satisfies all requirements of the task by clearly explaining how the solar panel works for both air and water. - A clear overview is provided, identifying the shared initial stage and the two distinct outcomes. - All key features of the diagrams, such as the glass sheet, the dark surface, and the pipe system, are appropriately highlighted.

Coherence & Cohesion - 9

- The response is organized logically with a clear progression from the general mechanism to the specific variations. - Cohesive devices like "To begin with," "subsequently," and "in the first version" are used naturally without being intrusive. - Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the general introduction, the shared process, and the specific applications.

Lexical Resource - 9

- Precise vocabulary is used to describe the technical components, such as "transparent glass," "dark surface," "inlet/outlet," and "coiled pipe." - Collocations are used naturally (e.g., "absorbs heat," "shared initial stage"). - There is high precision in word choice, allowing for a clear and concise description of the diagrams.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy - 9

- The response demonstrates a wide range of structures used with full flexibility and accuracy. - Sentence structures are varied, including complex clauses ("depending on whether...", "whichever substance is passing..."). - Punctuation and grammar are flawless throughout the entire response.

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