Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-06

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 5.0)

The diagram illustrates the process by which produce a water clock, outlining the various stages involved from the initial input to the final product.

Overall, it is clear that the process consists of seven distinct stages beginning with water tap and culminating in repeat process for timing things. It is evident that the procedure follows a linear sequence, which each stage preparing the water clock for the subsequent phase until the water clock is obtained.

At the outset, water tap drops fall in plastic bottles is filled on top before reach to straw, where it is water level is constant. It is then a tape tied with stand to maintain balance. Following the undergoing stage the finger away from the hole the process for the next stages

Subsequently, the plastic bottle prepare for the level per minute through estimated lines through pencil enabling it to reach required form. In the final stage, the empathy and repeat process for timing things. Thereby, completing the entire stages through a carefully organised and interconnected stages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to describe the process, but it fails to clearly explain the mechanical steps shown in the diagram. While you identify that there are seven stages, the description of these stages is often confusing or inaccurate. For example, phrases like 'water tap drops fall in plastic bottles' and 'the empathy and repeat process' do not clearly convey the technical actions required to build the clock. The overview is present but lacks the necessary clarity to fully satisfy the task requirements. To improve, focus on describing the specific components and their functions in a logical, step-by-step manner, ensuring the reader can visualize the construction process based solely on your text.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive start. However, the progression of ideas is frequently hindered by awkward phrasing and unclear logical links. While you use some cohesive devices like 'At the outset' and 'Subsequently', the internal structure of the sentences often breaks down, making it difficult to follow the sequence of the process. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the phrase 'Following the undergoing stage', which does not effectively connect to the previous information. Improving the flow between sentences and ensuring that each step logically leads to the next will significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often used incorrectly, which impedes the clarity of the report. There are several instances of word-choice errors, such as 'empathy' (likely meant 'empty') and 'water tap drops fall'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe a technical process with precision. You rely on basic terms and struggle to find the appropriate terminology for the components of the clock. To reach a higher band, you should focus on learning specific vocabulary related to processes and technical descriptions, and ensure that you are using words in their correct context to avoid confusion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that often obscure the intended meaning. There are issues with sentence structure, such as 'the process by which produce a water clock' (should be 'by which to produce') and 'where it is water level is constant' (redundant 'is'). Many sentences are fragmented or lack proper subject-verb agreement. While there is an attempt to use complex structures, these are often faulty, leading to a lack of control over grammar and punctuation. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for subject-verb agreement and article usage would be a beneficial starting point for improvement.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.