Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-24

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 above image is a representation of a water clock. This will help us to understand the process to build a Water Clock. To start, we will need some items such as two plastic bottles, tape, glue, one straw, stand, and a running tap. At first, we need to cut the neck of one bottle to keep on the stand for collecting water. Next step will be to make two holes to another plastic bottle as shown in point 2 and 3, so that the water will slowly flow or if it is filled till top then the water will flow from the straw attached. Now assemble the second bottle by attaching it to the stand with the help of tape. To measure the time, mark levels on the first bottle such that each mark represents a minute. Finally we can measure the time by putting this under the tap on and whenever it gets full we will be able to know the time by counting the markings on the bottle.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response identifies the main purpose and several relevant components, including the two bottles, stand, tape, glue and straw, and it describes water entering the lower bottle and being measured with marks. However, some important stages are inaccurate or unclear. The diagram shows the hole being covered while the upper bottle is filled to the overflow level, then uncovered so water drips into the lower bottle; the response instead says to make “two holes” and does not clearly explain this sequence. It also misstates the final use: the clock is emptied and the process repeated for timing, rather than waiting for the lower bottle to become full. A clearer overview and more faithful account of the numbered stages would make the report more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a broadly chronological structure, moving from materials and preparation to assembly and use. Sequencing expressions such as “To start,” “At first,” “Next,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the intended process. However, the progression is not consistently clear because the steps are rearranged: marking the lower bottle is introduced before the clock is assembled, and the explanation of the two holes and straw combines separate actions. The response is also presented as one continuous paragraph, with no distinct overview to orient the reader. Use a short overview followed by logically grouped construction and operating stages, and make references such as “this” and “the first bottle” unambiguous.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the general topic, with relevant terms such as “plastic bottles,” “stand,” “collecting water,” and “markings.” There are also some attempts at process language, including “attaching” and “represents.” However, several choices are imprecise or repetitive: “point 2 and 3” is not a natural way to refer to the diagram’s numbered stages, and “putting this under the tap on” is unclear. “Water Clock” is unnecessarily capitalised, while “filled till top” is an awkward collocation. More precise process vocabulary—such as “secure,” “overflow,” “calibration marks,” and “release the water”—would improve clarity and make the description more appropriate for an academic report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response uses a mixture of simple and longer sentences, including a conditional clause in “if it is filled till top then the water will flow from the straw attached.” Most of the intended meaning can be understood, but grammatical control is uneven. For example, “Next step will be to make” is missing an article, and “such that each mark represents a minute” is attached awkwardly to the instruction about cutting and placing the bottle. The sentence beginning “Now assemble the second bottle” shifts into an imperative after the earlier use of “we,” and “whenever it gets full” leaves the subject unclear. Use consistent passive forms for a process report, check articles and sentence boundaries, and make each stage a complete, clearly linked instruction.

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