Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-02

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 diagram illustrate the process of making a simple water clock.

Overall, the process consists of several stages, beginning the preparation of two containers and ending with completion of device that can use to measure the passage of time. Water flows from one container to another, allowing water to be measured.

The diagram illustrates the process of making a simple water clock.

Overall, the process consists of several stages, beginning with the preparation of two containers and ending with the completion of a device that can be used to measure the passage of time. Water gradually flows from one container to another, allowing time to be measured.

First, two suitable containers are prepared, and a small hole is made in the bottom of one of them. The container with the hole is then placed above the second container. Water is subsequently poured into the upper container.

As the process begins, water slowly flows through the hole into the lower container. The level of water in the lower container gradually rises. At the same time, the amount of water in the upper container decreases. Marks are made on the lower container to indicate different levels of water, which represent different periods of time.

Finally, the water clock can be used to measure time. As the water continues to flow from the upper container into the lower one, the rising water level can be compared with the markings on the lower container to determine how much time has passed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The response attempts to describe the process of making a water clock, but it fails to adequately cover the key visual details provided in the diagram. Noticeable repetition occurs right at the beginning, where the first two sentences are duplicated, which detracts from the overall development of the task. Furthermore, the report overlooks essential apparatus details shown in the visual, such as the specific components (straws, tape, glue, stand, and bottles) and the numbered operational stages (1 through 7) outlined in the instructions. While the general flow of water from the upper to the lower container is mentioned, the ideas remain limited and under-developed, missing crucial mechanical features necessary to fully satisfy this part of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a recognizable progression from preparation to operation. Paragraphing is utilized to separate the introduction, body description, and conclusion, providing a basic structure. However, referencing and cohesion are sometimes mechanical or faulty, as seen in the repetitive opening statements and somewhat basic transitional phrases between sentences (e.g., 'First', 'As the process begins', 'Finally'). While logical flow exists, the lack of sophisticated cohesive devices and the redundant duplication at the start prevent the essay from achieving a more fluid organization.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

An adequate vocabulary range is employed for the task, successfully utilizing standard terms related to processes and containers, such as 'containers', 'lower container', 'upper container', and 'measure the passage of time'. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary, such as 'subsequently' and 'calibration lines' (implied by markings). However, there are some word choice and repetitive usage issues, particularly with recycling words like 'container' and 'water' excessively without sufficient substitution. Spelling and word choice errors do not impede communication, allowing the reader to understand the intended meaning easily.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a reasonable control over basic sentence structures. Examples of complex structures include 'As the water continues to flow from the upper container into the lower one, the rising water level can be compared...' There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, such as missing articles in the opening sentence ('The diagram illustrate' instead of 'illustrates'), but these errors rarely impede communication and the majority of straightforward sentences remain grammatically sound.

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