Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-19

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 illustrates information about the process for making a water clock in 7 stages.

According to the diagram, water from the tap comes out when it is on and it reaches the plastic bottle which is joined with the stand through the tape . In the 2nd stage water from the bottle drops down to another neck cut off plastic bottle. 3rd stage indicates that when water reaches to the top of the first bottle then there is a straw attached to the top of the bottle to prevent overflow.

Furthermore, 4th stage is to measures the constant level of the water. 5th stage is somewhat similar to the 2nd stage. Level per minute of the water is checked on the second bottle and it is considered as 6th stage. Last stage is to empty and repeat the process as per requirement.

To conclude, process for making a water clock requires time and proper equipment to complete the activity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the 7 stages of the process and provided a clear overview. However, the description of the stages is somewhat mechanical and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the mechanics of the water clock. For instance, the explanation of the 'straw' and the 'constant level' is vague and does not clearly describe how these components function together to measure time. To improve, ensure you describe the relationship between the components more precisely, as this is a process description task. While you covered all stages, the depth of information provided is limited, which prevents a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs following the sequence of the process, and a brief conclusion. You have used some cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore' and 'According to the diagram' to link ideas. However, the transition between stages is sometimes abrupt, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. The final sentence is a bit generic and does not effectively summarize the process described. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words to show the relationship between the stages more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'illustrates', 'prevent overflow', and 'constant level'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as 'another neck cut off plastic bottle' and 'joined with the stand through the tape', which sound unnatural. The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, focus on learning technical collocations related to diagrams and processes, and try to avoid overly simplistic descriptions of physical objects.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

Your writing shows a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as '3rd stage indicates that when water reaches to the top' (unnecessary 'to') and '4th stage is to measures' (incorrect verb form). Additionally, there are issues with article usage and prepositional phrases throughout the text. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles to improve accuracy.

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.