Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-30

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 5.0)

This diagram illustrate us that how we can make our own water clock. Initaillaly, we have to open tap so that water can drip into plastic bottle which was attached with the stand. At the top of the bottle we have to connect straw so if water level rises it drop off by the straw. Then we have to hole at the bottom of bottle so water drips directly downward reaches to plastic bottle.

It has to be assure that when water is falling gradually the observer finger do not touches the hole otherwise the measurement should not be accurate. Then the most paramount step is start. In this last step we have to calculate the amount of water which is falling gradually in the plastic bottlle and then we know the time by water clock moreover this experiment changes continously with the time.So we have to repeat it again and again.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The student attempts to describe the process of making and operating a water clock, covering several key stages from the diagram such as turning on the tap, fixing the straw, and measuring water levels. However, the response fails to adopt an appropriate academic tone, addressing the reader directly ('you have to'). Furthermore, several steps are described with confusing phrasing ('Then we have to hole at the bottom'), resulting in incomplete coverage of the seven specific stages outlined in the visual data. The overview of the process lacks clarity regarding the overall mechanical function of the apparatus. Consequently, this performance aligns with the Band 5 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The text is divided into two brief paragraphs, providing a rudimentary structure, but logical progression between sentences is frequently disrupted. Cohesive devices such as 'Initaillaly', 'Then', and 'moreover' are used, but their mechanical application and occasional misuse hamper the flow of ideas. For instance, transitioning from the construction of the apparatus to its operation lacks smooth cohesive links. Pronoun referencing is also weak, with ambiguous antecedents. Paragraphing is insufficient for an academic report. These features place the response firmly in Band 5.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The lexical range is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'water', 'bottle', 'tap', and 'hole'. There are noticeable spelling errors ('Initaillaly', 'bottlle', 'continously') and word-choice inaccuracies, such as using 'hole' as a verb ('we have to hole at the bottom') and 'assure' instead of 'ensure'. While the vocabulary is minimally adequate to convey the basic topic, the frequent errors and lack of sophisticated phrasing restrict the score to Band 5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response demonstrates a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on simple sentences and repetitive modal constructions like 'we have to'. Attempts at complex sentences frequently result in faulty structures and severe grammatical errors, such as 'This diagram illustrate us that how we can make' and 'observer finger do not touches'. Punctuation is also weak, missing full stops in places and leading to run-on constructions. Due to the high frequency of grammatical errors that occasionally impede understanding, a Band 4.5 is warranted, rounded to 5.0 based on standard reporting.

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.