Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-30

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 diagram illustrates the process for the production of a water clock.

overall the water clock production method consists of seven different steps initiating from turning on the top and ending at repeating the process for timing things.

Firstly, the tap of water is turned on. After turning on the water enters the plastic bottle carrying a straw at the top left side of bottle. The bottle is hung with the help of s tape with a stand. There is a hole at the bottom of it. Cover the hole with the finger. Fill the water till the water reach at the maximum level of the bottle.

Plastic bottle carries a layer of glue at the top.

Now, remove the finger from the hole and let the water to enters a beaker drop by drop in another plastic bottle without neck.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main stages of the process, the description is incomplete. You have omitted key details from the diagram, such as the specific measurements or the final stage of the process involving the measurement of time. Furthermore, the explanation of the steps is somewhat superficial. To improve, ensure you cover all stages shown in the diagram and provide a more detailed account of the process to meet the length requirement and demonstrate a full understanding of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay has a basic structure with an introduction and a body paragraph. However, the use of cohesive devices is limited and somewhat mechanical. For instance, you use 'Firstly' but fail to follow up with subsequent linking words like 'subsequently', 'following this', or 'finally' to guide the reader through the process. The paragraphing is also insufficient; the entire process description is crammed into one paragraph, making it difficult to follow the logical progression of the steps. Improving the use of transition signals and breaking the process into logical stages would enhance the flow.

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 basic verbs like 'turned on', 'hung', and 'fill'. There is also some awkward phrasing, such as 'production of a water clock' (the diagram shows a construction process) and 'carrying a straw'. To achieve a higher score, you should incorporate more precise, process-oriented vocabulary such as 'assemble', 'secure', 'position', 'submerge', or 'calibrate'. Additionally, ensure that your word choices are accurate in context to avoid minor errors that slightly impede the clarity of your description.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'till the water reach at the maximum level' (should be 'reaches the maximum level') and 'let the water to enters' (should be 'let the water enter'). There are also issues with article usage and prepositions, such as 'with the help of s tape' and 'in another plastic bottle'. While these errors do not completely prevent understanding, they are frequent enough to affect the overall quality of the writing. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct verb patterns will help improve your accuracy.

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

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