Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-26

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 the information about the water clock made up procedure.

Overall, making our own water clock is consist of many procedures. It starts from the step is to turn the tap on and the last step is to empty and repeat process for timing things.

In detail, making water clock for our own self includes many steps. Firstly, we have to place a bottle under the tap which will be attached with the stand with help of the tape and straw is also included which get stable on the neck of bottle, additionally, a plastic bottle required whose neck cut off from the bottle.

In the case of making water clock, to begin with turn on the tap from where water will come. Secondly, we have to cover a hole with a finger. After, we have to fill bottle to the top to overflow. After that, level get constant. Subsequently, we have to make away our finger from the hole. Additionally, we have to note levels per minute. In the last step, we have to empty the bottles and have to repeat the process for timing things.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, but the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, professional tone suitable for a university lecturer. While the steps are identified, the explanation of the setup is slightly confusing, particularly the mention of the straw and tape. The overview is quite basic and does not effectively highlight the key stages of the process. To improve, ensure that the description is more concise and focuses on the mechanical progression of the water clock rather than using informal phrasing like 'our own self'.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'In the case of', 'Secondly', 'After', and 'Additionally' are used frequently, which makes the flow feel somewhat stilted. The logical progression is present, but the transitions between sentences could be smoother and more varied. Improving the range of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and sophistication expected at higher bands. There is a reliance on basic verbs such as 'make', 'turn', and 'fill'. Some phrasing is unnatural, such as 'water clock made up procedure' and 'make away our finger'. There are also minor errors in word choice, such as 'level get constant' instead of 'the level becomes constant'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to processes and measurements.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Examples include 'making our own water clock is consist of' (should be 'consists of'), 'a plastic bottle required' (should be 'a plastic bottle is required'), and 'make away our finger' (should be 'remove our finger'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence construction is often awkward. While the meaning is usually clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band.

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

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