Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-17

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 given diagram presents, how to construct our own water clock.

Overall, this whole process consists of seven stages starting from oning the tap and final step is to empty and repeat the same process.In this we can calculate the time by using measured values displayed on the plastic bottle.

Firstly, We need to on the tap and otherside close the hole with the finger it stops the water flow until it fills the top plastic bottle and we obseve overflow of water from the straw . After a while we observe the water in the top bottle reamins constant level.

Moving further in the process, we need to remove finger away from the closed hole.Then water flow to bottom plastic bottle from this we will start taking the notes of the water levels per minute. Finally, empty the both water content in the bottles and repeate the process for understanding the time pattern.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response provides a basic overview of the process, but it lacks the necessary detail and precision required for a high band score. While the stages are identified, the description of the mechanism is somewhat confusing and fails to clearly explain the relationship between the components (the straw, the bottles, and the hole). The overview is present but could be more effectively integrated. To improve, ensure that each step of the diagram is described with greater clarity and that the technical function of the water clock is explained more logically for the reader.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Firstly', 'Moving further', 'Finally'). The logical progression between sentences is occasionally strained, particularly in the second paragraph where the transition from filling the bottle to observing the overflow is abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing (e.g., 'this', 'the process') is consistently clear would enhance the flow of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but remains quite basic. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'oning the tap' (likely a typo for 'turning on') and 'empty the both water content'. The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on simple descriptors rather than more precise technical terminology suitable for a process description. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to use more varied and accurate collocations related to mechanical processes and measurements.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'presents, how to construct' (incorrect punctuation), 'otherside close the hole' (missing subject/verb), and 'repeate the process' (spelling error). Subject-verb agreement and article usage are inconsistent throughout the text. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic syntax and punctuation would be highly beneficial.

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

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