Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-18

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 below illustrate the function of clock made from water bottle having different stages of process.

Overall,it consists of 7 stages in which there are only one inlet of water called tap and having two outlets, this whole process is carried on a stand.

There are two plastic bottles one is used for holding water having two holes in it, one is covered by finger and another by straw to keep its level maintain whereas second bottle is used for measurement.First bottle is hanged in stand by proper taping and straw which is connecting bottle can be attached by glue.

Firstly, when tap on the water runs toward first bottle and when it reaches to there straw level the water outlet through it like overflow.After when finger away from hole and level per minute increases in second bottle.Then according to given time the process repeat itself by empty the bottle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the process as having seven stages and describe the main components: two bottles, a tap, a stand and a straw. You also capture the basic sequence of filling the upper bottle and allowing water to enter the lower one. However, some details are inaccurate or unclear: the upper bottle has a hole at its base, while the straw is an overflow outlet near the top; the finger covers the base hole initially, rather than one of two holes being used to maintain the water level. The purpose of the lower bottle’s calibration marks and the final instruction to empty and repeat the process are only briefly covered. A clearer overview and more precise explanation of the stages would make the report more complete and developed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure, moving from an introduction and overview to the equipment and then the operating sequence. Sequencing words such as “Overall,” “Firstly” and “After” help the reader follow the process. However, progression within the description is sometimes difficult to track: the paragraph about the bottles combines their functions, attachment and outlets, while the final paragraph compresses several stages into one sentence. Some references, such as “there” and “it,” do not clearly identify the bottle or hole being discussed. Organise the construction details separately from the operating stages, and use clearer links and references to make the sequence easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “stages,” “overflow,” “stand,” “taping” and “measurement,” which helps convey the diagram’s subject. There is also some attempt to describe function, for example, “used for holding water.” However, several word choices and combinations are imprecise or unnatural, such as “function of clock made from water bottle,” “two outlets,” and “level maintain.” These choices sometimes make the intended relationships difficult to understand. Use more precise terms for the apparatus and actions, such as “water clock,” “overflow straw,” “calibration marks” and “water level,” and check collocations when describing how components are attached or how water flows.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, including a sequence with “when” and “after,” and the reader can generally identify the main process. However, grammatical errors are frequent and sometimes make relationships unclear. For example, “The diagram below illustrate” has subject–verb disagreement, while “when tap on the water runs toward first bottle” is missing articles and has an incomplete verb construction. The sentence beginning “After when finger away from hole” is also structurally faulty, and “the process repeat itself” has an incorrect verb form. Focus first on complete clauses, articles, and consistent present-simple forms for process descriptions. Shorter, accurately controlled sentences would improve clarity before you attempt more complex structures.

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