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 plastic bottle. The 3rd stage indicates that when water reaches the top of the first bottle then there is a straw attached to the top of the bottle to prevent overflow.
Furthermore, the 4th stage is to measures the constant level of the water. The 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 the 6th stage. Last stage is to empty and repeat the process as per requirement.
To conclude, the process of making a water clock requires time and proper equipment to complete the activity.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the process, but the description is somewhat superficial. While you identify the seven stages, the explanation of how the mechanism actually functions is unclear. For instance, the description of the 'straw' and the 'constant level' is confusing and does not clearly explain the scientific principle behind the water clock. To improve, focus on describing the relationship between the components more precisely. Ensure you provide a clear overview of the process rather than just listing the stages. The current response lacks a cohesive summary of the overall function of the device, which is essential for a high band score in Task 1.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response 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., 'The 2nd stage', 'The 3rd stage', 'The 4th stage'). The flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and referencing techniques to connect the stages more naturally. While the progression is logical, the reliance on a list-like structure makes the writing feel less like a cohesive report and more like a series of isolated observations. Varying your sentence starters and using pronouns or synonyms to refer back to previous steps would enhance the flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. You rely on simple descriptors like 'joined', 'drops down', and 'checked'. There is an attempt to use technical terms like 'overflow' and 'constant level', which is positive. However, to reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise vocabulary related to processes and technical descriptions, such as 'positioned', 'regulated', 'calibrated', or 'facilitates'. There are also some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'neck-cut plastic bottle', which sounds unnatural. Expanding your range of verbs and adjectives will help you describe the mechanism with greater clarity and sophistication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that affect the quality of the writing. For example, 'is to measures' is grammatically incorrect, and 'Last stage is to empty' lacks an article. Additionally, some phrasing is awkward, such as 'Level per minute of the water is checked'. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. While you attempt complex sentences, the control over them is inconsistent. Increasing your focus on proofreading for small errors in tense and structure will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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