Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-07-27

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows the process for making a water clock.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information below.

HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN WATER CLOCK

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The diagram illustrates the stages involved in the process of how to build your own water clock

overall, it is evident that there are total 7 stages involved to built a water clock. The following picture indicates a plastic bottle , tap, straw, glue, and tape, stand and plastic bottle which neck was cut off.

primarily, for water clock the main process is start from the tap we have to on the tap then the water goes to bottle which is made up of plastic then we have to cover the bottom part of bottle with the help of finger . moreover fill the upper layer of the bottle which is beside the straw then after the level become constant .

Once water level get constant take away your finger from the bottom of bottle then check the level for some times afterwards the bottle get empty and repeat the process for timing things . once process is get over start another one with same.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response attempts to describe the process, but it fails to clearly explain the mechanical steps of the water clock. The description of the components is somewhat disjointed, and the explanation of the actual operation (e.g., 'cover the bottom part... with the help of finger') is confusing and lacks the precision required for a technical report. While the response identifies the main stages, the lack of clarity regarding how the water clock functions means the information is not fully developed or accurately conveyed. To improve, focus on describing the sequence of events logically and clearly, ensuring the reader can understand the mechanism being described.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is divided into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression of ideas is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'then' and 'once'. The transition between the list of materials and the process description is abrupt. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the sequence of the process. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each sentence flows naturally into the next, creating a more cohesive narrative.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'timing things' and 'process is get over'. The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on simple words like 'get', 'make', and 'go'. There are also minor errors in word choice and collocation that hinder the professional tone expected in an academic report. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to processes, such as 'assemble', 'initiate', 'regulate', and 'subsequent'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('there are total 7 stages', 'process is start'), article usage, and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack proper punctuation, which affects readability. While there is an attempt at complex structures, they are often faulty or incorrectly punctuated. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that verbs are correctly conjugated and that articles are used appropriately. Proofreading for common errors like 'built' instead of 'build' will also significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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