Prompt
Task 1 – Diagram: home solar electricity system
The diagram shows how a solar panel system provides electricity for a home. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Band 9 sample answer
Band 9 sample answer
The diagram illustrates the stages by which a household solar panel system generates electricity and distributes it either for domestic use, for storage, or to the public power network.
Overall, sunlight is converted into direct current (DC) electricity by the panels, after which an inverter changes it into alternating current (AC). The resulting AC power can then be consumed immediately in the home, while any surplus is diverted to batteries or exported to the grid.
At the beginning of the process, solar panels produce DC electricity. This output is not sent straight to household appliances; instead, it passes through an inverter, where the current is converted from DC to AC, which is the standard form required for typical home electricity supplies.
Once AC electricity is available, it follows three possible routes. First, it can be delivered directly to the home to meet everyday demand. Alternatively, if generation exceeds consumption at a given time, the extra power may be stored in a battery system for later use. A further option is to transmit this excess electricity to the grid, effectively supplying the wider network.
Verified word count: 183
Why this answer works
explanation
It provides a clear Overview, accurately reports each stage and the key conversion (DC to AC), and makes a relevant comparison by distinguishing immediate household consumption from two alternative pathways for surplus electricity (storage versus export). The sequencing is logical and the language is precise and appropriately formal.
what this question tests
This Academic Task 1 process diagram tests your ability to describe a linear sequence of stages, highlight the overall purpose, and explain key transformations and alternative destinations (home use versus storage or export) using clear, accurate language.
Useful vocabulary and phrases
be converted into
Accurately describes transformation stages in process diagrams.
DC electricity is converted into AC electricity by an inverter.
the resulting
Creates clear cause-and-effect links.
The resulting AC power can be used in the home.
be diverted to
Precisely expresses alternative flow routes.
Any surplus is diverted to battery storage or the grid.
surplus electricity
Common, natural term for ‘extra’ output in energy systems.
Surplus electricity may be exported to the grid.
meet everyday demand
Adds natural, accurate explanation without inventing data.
Power is delivered to the home to meet everyday demand.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Omitting the Overview or failing to summarise the main transformation (DC to AC).
- Saying the home uses DC electricity; household supply is AC in the diagram.
- Inventing numerical figures (e.g., percentages of use/storage) that are not shown.
- Listing stages without showing how surplus electricity follows alternative routes.
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