Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-07

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 the process of manufacturing of a water clock.

Overall, There is a stand and 2 plastic bottles along with that, the process consists of several stages ( which are up to 7 stages) from collceting a water from water sources to making a proper water clock and then repeating the same exact process.

From the beginning, the process starts with collecting tap-water in a plastic bottle. Before taking the tap water the diagram shows that bottle had 2 small holes (on the top and bottom). After taking the tap-water cover the hole with finger. In third stage fill the first bottle from top to make it overflow and attach a starw with the top hole. In the fourth stage attach a duck tape in the middle of the bottle to maintain same level . In the fifth stage take away finger from the holes. In the sixth stage make sure to check water level per minute in second bottle. In the end stage make sure to empty both bottles and repeat the process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram as a water-clock process and give an overview that it has several stages and is repeated. You also mention key actions such as filling the upper bottle, releasing the water, and observing the lower bottle’s level. However, some details are misread or unclear: the diagram shows one hole at the base of the upper bottle, not two holes at the top and bottom, and the straw is attached near the top as an overflow drain rather than to a “top hole.” The stand, lower bottle with its neck cut off, and calibration marks are also important features that are not clearly described. The account therefore covers the process only partially, and several stages need more accurate explanation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overall statement, and a chronological description. Sequencing phrases such as “From the beginning,” “In the third stage,” and “In the end stage” help the reader follow the intended order. However, the progression is sometimes weakened by unclear references, including “that bottle,” “the first bottle,” and “second bottle,” which make it difficult to identify the containers consistently. Some transitions are also mechanical, and the overview sentence combines several ideas without a clear relationship. Use distinct labels such as “upper bottle” and “lower bottle,” and connect each stage directly to the next to make the sequence more coherent.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant process vocabulary, including “stand,” “plastic bottle,” “overflow,” and “water level,” so the topic is generally understandable. However, the range is limited and several choices are inaccurate or unnatural for describing this diagram. “Manufacturing of a water clock” suggests industrial production, while “collecting a water from water sources” does not match the tap shown. “Duck tape” is not the appropriate term for the tape securing the bottle, and “starw” is misspelled. Repetition of “bottle,” “process,” and “stage” also limits precision. Aim for accurate terms such as “assemble,” “upper container,” “calibration marks,” and “overflow outlet,” and check spelling before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, and the sequence is mostly understandable. However, complex constructions are often faulty, and errors occur frequently enough to make some sentences difficult to follow. For example, “Overall, There is a stand and 2 plastic bottles along with that” has incorrect capitalisation and an unclear sentence structure; “Before taking the tap water the diagram shows that bottle had 2 small holes” also has an awkward clause structure and inconsistent tense. Articles and agreement are problematic in phrases such as “a water” and “the process consists.” Use consistent present tense for diagram descriptions, form complete clauses, and check articles, punctuation, and sentence boundaries.

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.