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 diagram shows the procedure steps of building water clock, it consists of 7 stages which includes step by step information.

Overall, the initial step is tap on which is used to pouring water into plastic bottle through the tap while the second step is to cover hole with finger which prevents water from leakage forward to the third step that is fill top bottle to overflow, next stage is to constant level of water in which a straw is attached to bottle with help of glue so the extra water will be discharged from bottle.

After that this stage is opposite to the second stage, now putt away the finger from hole to pour water from plastic bottle to another plastic bottle whose neck has been cut off so the second last step is levels per minute that shows the water level is rises in every minute, as we get to know the time. Last but not least seventh step to empty the flask and bottle to repeat the process to calculate time ahead

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all seven stages of the process, which is a positive aspect. However, the description of the stages is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear overview or summary of the process as a whole. The introduction is brief and the conclusion is essentially a repetition of the final step rather than a synthesis of the process. While the main features are identified, the explanation of how the water clock functions is occasionally unclear, particularly regarding the 'constant level' stage. To improve, ensure you provide a more cohesive summary of the overall mechanism and use more precise language to describe the physical actions involved in the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organized into a single long paragraph, which hinders readability. While there is a chronological progression, the use of cohesive devices is repetitive and somewhat simplistic (e.g., 'next stage', 'after that', 'last but not least'). The lack of paragraphing makes the text feel like a list of instructions rather than a formal report. To achieve a higher band, you should group related stages into distinct paragraphs and use a wider variety of linking words to show the relationship between the different parts of the process, rather than just listing them sequentially.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is quite repetitive and lacks precision. Phrases like 'putt away the finger' and 'tap on' are somewhat informal or inaccurate in this context. There is limited use of less common vocabulary related to technical processes. To improve, focus on using more precise verbs and nouns to describe the equipment and the actions, such as 'discharge', 'regulate', 'submerge', or 'aperture'. Expanding your range of descriptive language will help you convey the technical nature of the diagram more effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. There are issues with article usage (e.g., 'building water clock'), verb forms (e.g., 'is used to pouring'), and sentence structure (e.g., 'the water level is rises'). Many sentences are run-on or lack proper punctuation, which makes the text feel fragmented. While you attempt some complex structures, they are often inaccurate. Focusing on basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and correct prepositional usage will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

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