Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-26

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 for making a water clock. And diagram shows that how can we built our own water clock.

Overall there are seven stages in which i have tap on, cover hole with fingers,fill top bottle to over flow,level constant, finger away from hole,levels per minute,empty and repeat process for timing things.

So basically first of all i have a stand,two water bottles,tape,tap on and a straw. first under the tap i will put stand with two bottels. I will attach top bottle with stand with the help of tape and i will put under the first bottle. First i open the tap on and fill the first top bottle with water that is attach with straw. I will do one hole in the end of top bottle where waterbis dripping down. i cover the hole with finger and let the bottle overflow. Then i will do the level of water constant to straw. After watr also dripping down from staw i will put my finger away from bottle.

Then in send plastic bottle that has neck cut off will level per minute so this is a process in which i have make water clock. In the last stage i will empty the bottels of water and rpeat process for timing things.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the subject and give a seven-stage sequence, including filling the upper bottle, releasing the hole, marking levels, and repeating the process. These details show a relevant understanding of the diagram. However, the report is only partly accurate and developed: it says you make a hole in the bottle, although the diagram already shows a hole, and it does not clearly explain that water drips into the lower bottle or that the straw drains excess water to keep the upper level constant. The overview mainly repeats the stage labels rather than summarising how the apparatus works. Describe the two-bottle arrangement and the clock’s basic timing principle, then explain the stages accurately and objectively rather than as personal instructions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic structure, with an introduction, an overview, and paragraphs describing the setup and later stages. The sequence is generally understandable, and words such as “first,” “then,” and “in the last stage” help the reader follow it. However, progression is weakened by repeated or confusing sequencing: “first of all” is followed by another “First,” and the setup and operating instructions are mixed together. Some references are unclear, as in “I will put under the first bottle,” and the overview lists stages without showing how they connect. Group the construction details first, then describe operation in chronological order, using clear references to the upper and lower bottles.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant process vocabulary, including “stand,” “straw,” “overflow,” “dripping,” and “neck cut off,” so the reader can recognise several components and actions. However, the range is limited and several phrases are inaccurate or awkward, which sometimes makes the process difficult to interpret. For example, “level per minute” does not clearly express that marks are made to indicate water levels over time, while “do one hole” is an imprecise description of the opening shown. Spelling errors such as “bottels,” “watr,” and “rpeat” also reduce clarity. Build a more precise vocabulary for components and actions, and check spelling and collocations before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple sentences and longer clauses, for example, “I will cover the hole with finger and let the bottle overflow.” However, the range is limited, and errors occur frequently enough to make some sentences difficult to follow. Examples include “how can we built,” “I will do one hole,” and “Then in send plastic bottle,” where verb forms, sentence construction, or articles are not controlled. Tense and viewpoint also shift between “I have” and “I will,” although a process report is usually expressed in the present simple or passive voice. Practise accurate present-simple process sentences, such as “Water flows through a hole into the lower bottle,” and check articles, plurals, and punctuation.

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.