TASK 1:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 9/9/2024
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 5/9/2024)
Question: The diagram below shows how electricity is generated in a hydroelectric power station.
ANSWER:
The illustration demonstrates the process of generating electricity in a hydroelectric power system. Overall, the station operates on a reversible cycle, which utilizes natural water flow during the day for power generation and restores water levels at night.
During the day, water from the river flows down to an excavated area and is blocked by a dam, which creates a reservoir. Subsequently, through a channel at the bottom of the reservoir that works as an intake system, water flows further downward to operate turbines in the power station. The movement of water activates the generator, producing electricity, which is then supplied to the national grid via power lines. The water then continues to flow to a lower-level reservoir for reserve.
At night, the power station switches function. Water from the low-level reservoir is pumped back to the high-level one using the same turbines, which now operate in reverse; afterwhich, the intake channel is closed. This process allows the station to store water for the next day’s power generation.
(168 words)
