Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-17

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 5.0)

The diagram gives the information about how to build your own water clock. This clock build by the process which includes several stages.

Overall, there are seven stages. Initial stage is tap on then water flows from tap untill plastic bottle complete. then it release from hole and water flows in the form of droplets.

The process is starting when water released from tap then it enter in the bottle placed on the stand this bottle has a small hole. When the bottle start filling with water. The whole which is at the bottom of bottle covered by finger. Remain the tab on untill bottle fills and top of the bottle starting overflow.

Check the level of water is constant by placing a straw. The sign of constant flow is that droplets of water releasing from the straw.

Afterthat, finger away from the whole then we can see the level of flow of water equal to per minute. To find the aqurate time the process repeat for several times.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student attempts to describe the process of building a water clock, identifying the overall number of stages (seven). However, the response fails to clearly and accurately explain the visual information provided in the diagram. Many details are confused or missing, such as the specific role of the straw as an overflow drain, the exact construction of the apparatus using tape and glue, and the calibration of the lower bottle. The summary of the steps is disjointed, moving between actions like covering the hole and filling the bottle without maintaining a clear, logical sequence. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed, earning a band score of 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The text is organized into short paragraphs, but the overall progression of ideas is frequently disrupted by awkward referencing and a lack of cohesive devices. Transitional phrases are basic or misused (e.g., 'Initial stage is tap on', 'Afterthat, finger away from the whole'). Paragraphing is attempted, but individual paragraphs are underdeveloped and fail to group related steps of the process logically. Reference words like 'this' or 'it' often lack clear antecedents, making it difficult for the reader to follow the exact mechanical steps. This level of organization reflects the descriptors for Band 5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive, relying heavily on words directly copied or poorly adapted from the prompt (e.g., 'tap', 'water', 'bottle', 'stage'). There are several lexical and spelling errors throughout the text, such as 'untill', 'aqurate', and 'whole' used instead of 'hole'. Attempts to use less common vocabulary are either absent or inaccurate (e.g., 'levels per minute'). The range of vocabulary is limited and minimally adequate for conveying simple ideas, aligning closely with a Band 5 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a very limited range of grammatical structures, consisting mostly of simple sentences or faulty attempts at complex ones. There are frequent grammatical errors, including missing verbs and articles (e.g., 'This clock build by the process', 'Initial stage is tap on'), incorrect prepositions, and confusion between active and passive voice. Punctuation is also problematic, with run-on sentences and sentence fragments (e.g., 'Remain the tab on untill bottle fills and top of the bottle starting overflow.'). These persistent errors frequently cause strain for the reader, placing the grammar at a Band 5 level.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.