Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The given diagram illustrates the process and stages of water clock.

It is comprises of seven distinct steps. In first step there is a small hole in like button, which press through the finger while covering this hole. The bottle is made up of plastic and fixed through a tape with stand.

In next step overflow of water is shown with top filled.If bottle top is filled there is straw through water will come out of it. The level of water is constant because the straw is closed with glue. Finger should be away from the hole just to notice the real time movement of water and water will come out from the jar drop by drop. In second last step the level of water is counted in minute and in the last step empty the bottle and repeat the process to note down the timing and water. Process is repeated and different count is noted.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the process, but the description is often unclear and lacks the precision required for a technical report. For instance, the explanation of the 'overflow' and the straw mechanism is confusing and does not accurately reflect how a water clock functions. While the response identifies the key steps, the lack of clarity in explaining the relationship between the components (the bottle, the straw, and the hole) means the reader cannot easily visualize the process. To improve, focus on describing the function of each part clearly and logically, ensuring the sequence of events is easy to follow.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is divided into paragraphs, which is a positive start. However, the logical progression between sentences is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'In next step' and 'In second last step'. The referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to track the stages of the process. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly and ensure that each sentence logically follows the previous one.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'in like button' and 'fixed through a tape with stand', which indicate a limited range of vocabulary for describing technical processes. The word choice is often imprecise, which hinders the clarity of the report. To improve, try to incorporate more specific vocabulary related to processes and mechanics, such as 'apparatus', 'secure', 'regulate', or 'calibrate', and focus on using collocations more accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with articles ('the level of water is counted in minute'), subject-verb agreement ('It is comprises of'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are awkward or grammatically incomplete, which occasionally impedes the reader's understanding. While there is an attempt to use complex structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly the correct use of articles, prepositions, and verb forms, before attempting more complex grammatical structures.

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

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