Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-21

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)

This diagram illustrates building our own water clock using plastic bottles, a stand and several other materials.

The process of establishing a setup involves seven steps. First two plastic bottles are kept vertically in a noticeable distance attached to a stand with tape under a water tap. In first bottle, the cap is removed from the top and likewise a whole is made at the bottom which is covered by a finger. Tap water passes to the first bottle but due to the closure of bottom whole which was earlier covered by a finger it could not pass through the second bottle so water starts to overflow in the first bottle. A straw is attached to the bottle and like this overflowed water starts to pass by that straw. Now the level of the bottle is constant.

Coming to the further steps, finger is removed from the whole of first bottle and it starts to pass to the second bottle in which its neck is cut off so the water can easily pass. Now we measure the water level increasing per minute in second bottle.

In the last, we empty the bottle and repeat the process for timing things and this way our water clock is built.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, but the description is occasionally confusing. For instance, the explanation of the overflow mechanism and the use of the finger to control water flow is somewhat unclear and lacks the precision required for a technical report. While you have identified the key steps, the explanation of how the water clock actually functions is slightly muddled, which hinders the clarity of the process description. To improve, ensure that each step is described logically and accurately, focusing on the mechanical relationship between the components shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

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., 'Now', 'In the last'). The transition between the first and second paragraphs is a bit abrupt. While there is a logical progression, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect the steps more fluidly. Referencing is generally clear, but the overall structure feels a bit disjointed in places.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. You rely on basic terms like 'kept', 'made', and 'pass'. There are also some errors in word choice, such as 'whole' instead of 'hole' and 'timing things' which is too informal for an academic report. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more specific technical vocabulary related to processes and measurements, such as 'positioned', 'aperture', 'calibrated', or 'flow rate'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('a whole', 'the first bottle') and prepositions ('in a noticeable distance'). Some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'like this overflowed water starts to pass by that straw'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to lower the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would significantly improve the quality of your writing.

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

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