Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-20

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 picture down shows the procedure for making a water clock.

Overall, There are total 7 stages in making of water clock. Each stages are labeled by numbers from one to seven in the diagram. To make your own water clock you need a plastic bottle, tape, stand, glue, straw and a stand.

To make the water clock first attach the water bottle with the stand using tape. Then place the water bottle under the tap to get water inside it. Afterwards join a straw from the side of the bottle and stick it using glue. In bottom of the bottle Put another plastic bottle without neck. Make a hole in downside of the bottle.

The process follows with water go inside of the water bottle from tape at first stage. In second stage you have to cover the downside hole with your fingers, In the third stage just don't remove your finger until it overflows. In fourth stage the water level should be constant because water is being drained from straw. Then take your finger away from hole. Then measure the levels per minute and repeat the same process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, but the description is somewhat disjointed. While you identify the seven stages, the explanation of the mechanical steps is occasionally unclear, such as the instruction to 'put another plastic bottle without neck' in the bottom. The overview is functional, but the connection between the physical construction and the operational stages could be more integrated. To improve, ensure that the relationship between the components and the functional purpose of each stage is explained more precisely, as some steps remain slightly ambiguous for a reader trying to follow the instructions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay uses basic cohesive devices like 'first', 'then', and 'afterwards' to sequence the process. However, the paragraphing is somewhat inconsistent, and the transition between the construction phase and the operational phase is abrupt. The use of referencing is occasionally confusing, particularly when referring to 'the bottle' or 'the hole' without specifying which part of the apparatus is being discussed. Increasing the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus would significantly improve the flow and logical progression of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on simple verbs like 'make', 'put', and 'join', which are repetitive. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'water go inside' instead of 'water flows into' and 'downside of the bottle' instead of 'the base' or 'the bottom'. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more specific technical vocabulary related to processes and measurements, such as 'assemble', 'secure', 'constrict', or 'calibrate'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('Each stages are labeled') and missing articles ('In bottom of the bottle'). Additionally, there are punctuation errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'The process follows with water go inside'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to distract the reader. Focusing on basic sentence construction, correct article usage, and subject-verb agreement will help improve your accuracy.

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

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