Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-04

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 provides the information about how to built a water clock.

Overall, there are seven stages in process of making a water clock starting from to on the tap and culminating at empty and repeating it again.

At a fleeting glance, it is immensely clear that in the initial step tap is on and the hole should be covered with finger. Then, the bottle should be filled to top so that water should overflow. In the subsequent step, straw is glued with the bottle.

Furthermore, keep the finger away from the hole. In the sixth step, cut the neck off of the plastic bottle. In the last step, the plastic bottle is empty and repeat the process for timing things.

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 ability to fully develop the description of the process. While the response identifies the main stages, the lack of length means the information is presented in a very truncated manner. Several steps are described with insufficient detail, and the overview is somewhat simplistic. To improve, you must expand on the description of each stage, ensuring that the relationship between the components (the bottle, the straw, the hole, and the water) is explained more clearly for the reader.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into short paragraphs, which helps with readability. However, the progression of ideas feels somewhat mechanical. While some cohesive devices are used, such as 'In the subsequent step' and 'Furthermore', the transitions between sentences are occasionally abrupt. The logical flow is hindered by the brevity of the text, making the overall structure feel underdeveloped. To achieve a higher band, ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and that you use a wider variety of linking words to connect the steps of the process more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected at higher levels. Phrases like 'immensely clear' and 'fleeting glance' are slightly unnatural in this context. There are also some minor errors in word choice, such as 'how to built' (should be 'build'). The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on basic verbs and nouns. To improve, try to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary related to processes and mechanisms, and ensure that your word forms are grammatically correct.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains several grammatical errors that affect the clarity of the instructions. For example, 'how to built' is incorrect, and 'in initial step tap is on' lacks necessary articles ('the'). There is a lack of variety in sentence structures, with most sentences being simple or slightly repetitive. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors and the limited range of complex structures prevent a higher score. Focus on mastering article usage and ensuring consistent verb tense and form throughout your writing.

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

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