Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-31

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 process chart illustrates the information about the manufacturing our own water clock .

At the onset , it is evident that it is easy to make a water clock . Meanwhile , this linear process consisting seven stages .

Initially , a plastic bottle is taped with a vertical stand and a another neck cut of bottle is placed on the stand base . Taped bottle has have a hole on its bottom surface and a straw is attached in horizontal direction with the help of glue .

Moving further , in first step the tap is on and the flow of water is started into the first bottle . Second a person must cover the bottom hole with his finger .After that wait for some time when the bottle is overflow with water and extra water flow out side the bottle through the straw . During this time remove the finger from the bottom .Next , time is recorded with every level of water container . At this final stage , bottle is empty and repeat 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 superficial. While you identify the key steps, the explanation of the mechanism—specifically how the water flow relates to the timing—is unclear. For instance, the phrase 'repeat process for timing things' is vague and fails to explain the purpose of the water clock effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the water level and the measurement of time is described with greater precision and clarity, as this is the core function of the device shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly unnatural, such as 'Meanwhile, this linear process consisting seven stages' (which also lacks a verb). The transition between steps is generally logical, but the flow is occasionally interrupted by awkward phrasing. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence connects smoothly to the next would enhance the overall coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision. You rely on basic verbs like 'make', 'taped', and 'attached'. There are also some errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'manufacturing our own water clock' (which sounds like a commercial process rather than a DIY project) and 'bottle is overflow'. To improve, try to incorporate more specific technical vocabulary related to processes, such as 'assemble', 'secure', 'calibrate', or 'submerge', which would demonstrate a more sophisticated control of language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with articles ('a another neck'), verb forms ('Taped bottle has have a hole'), and sentence structure ('this linear process consisting seven stages'). While the meaning is generally understandable, these errors are persistent and occasionally distract the reader. You should focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Incorporating a wider range of complex sentence structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the bottle is secured to the stand'), would also help improve your grammatical range.

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

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