Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-06

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 illustrates seven steps for building a water clock of your own.

Overall, the procedure involves two steps which are assembling the water bottle and then measuring the interval per minute.

Procedure begins from water coming from the tap to the plastic bottle and then by covering the hole with fingers so, the top bottle will overflow with water. The bottle is stick with stand through tape. On the other side of water straw was attached with the help of glue.

When the level of the water is constant then finger will be removed away from the hole and on the other bottle which was placed below the first water bottle the measurements were taken from the time level of per minute. repetition of process will occur by emptying the bottles for timing things.

By concluding this process only involves the water bottle and by measuring intervals one could build own water clock.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram as a seven-step process and include several relevant details, such as the tap, the upper bottle, the overflow straw, and the lower container used for marking time. However, the account only partially explains how the apparatus is assembled and how the stages work. For example, “the bottle is stick with stand through tape” refers to the attachment, but the description does not clearly explain the hole at the base or that water drips into the lower bottle. The overview that there are “two steps” is also unclear: the diagram shows seven stages, and the main phases would be better summarised as setting up the apparatus and using it to measure time. A more accurate, complete account of the sequence would strengthen the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic overall structure: an introduction, an overview, and paragraphs describing the process. It also follows some of the diagram’s sequence, moving from the tap and upper bottle to the lower bottle and repeating the process. However, progression is not consistently clear. The long sentence beginning “When the level of the water is constant” combines removing the finger, taking measurements, and repeating the process, making the relationships between stages difficult to follow. Linking expressions such as “then” and “when” are used, but the sequence would be clearer if each stage were presented in order and grouped into distinct phases. The final “By concluding” sentence repeats the general idea rather than providing a useful final summary.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some task-relevant vocabulary, including “overflow,” “stand,” “tape,” “glue,” and “measurements,” which helps convey the basic process. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or unclear. “The bottle is stick with stand” does not express the attachment naturally; “the bottle is fixed to the stand with tape” would be clearer. Similarly, “the measurements were taken from the time level of per minute” is difficult to interpret, and “repetition of process will occur” is an awkward way to describe repeating the procedure. Aim for precise process vocabulary, such as “calibration marks,” “water level,” and “repeat the procedure,” while avoiding repeated general terms such as “bottle” where a clear reference is possible.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more extended sentences, and the overall meaning can usually be followed. However, grammatical errors are frequent, and some complex constructions are difficult to understand. For example, “Procedure begins from water coming from the tap” is missing an article and uses an awkward verb pattern; “the top bottle will overflow” shifts into an unsuitable future form; and “the measurements were taken” does not clearly identify who or what performs the action. There are also problems with agreement and sentence construction in “the bottle is stick with stand” and “repetition of process will occur.” Use consistent present simple for a process description, check articles and verb forms, and divide long sentences into shorter, complete steps.

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