Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-30

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 5.0)

The diagram shows the entire process of how to make a water clock. This is a report for a university lecturer.

The whole procedure of water clock involves 7 different stages.

There are two plastic bottles one on the top and one on the bottom and then the activities will be performed in such a way that first we have to fill the top bottle from the tap but for this we have to do hole in it and cover it from finger until bottle fill up, after this, move finger away from the hole, so that, bottle at the bottom which has levels per minute will full up then empty and repeat the process again

So, basically the early phases involves filling up the top bottle, like first open the tap, cover the hole, fill top bottle to overflow, which will automatically balance the level

Moreover, the remaining portions includesthe bottle at the bottom which will automatically fill up due to overflowing of water in the top bottle additionally it have levels per minute from which we can measure the exact quantity.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the diagram as a seven-stage process and mention several relevant actions, including turning on the tap, covering and uncovering the hole, filling the upper bottle, and repeating the process. However, the account only partially describes how the apparatus works. It does not explain the stand, the straw used to let excess water escape, or the lower bottle’s role in collecting water and being marked with timing levels. The statement that the lower bottle fills “due to overflowing” also misrepresents the process: water flows through the hole at the base of the upper bottle, while the straw controls the upper water level. Give a clear overview of the setup and describe the stages accurately and in order.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

There is some organisation: you begin with an introduction, mention the seven stages, and use sequence markers such as “first,” “after this,” and “Moreover.” These help the reader recognise that the diagram describes a process. However, the report does not progress clearly from the construction of the apparatus to its operation. The long third paragraph combines several stages in one sentence, and the later paragraphs repeat the filling steps rather than advancing the explanation. Some links are also unclear, particularly “So, basically” and “Moreover,” which do not establish precise relationships between the information. Separate the setup from the operating sequence, and use concise stage-by-stage sentences with clear references to each bottle.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the general topic, with relevant terms such as “plastic bottles,” “tap,” “hole,” and “levels per minute.” You also attempt process language, including “fill,” “cover,” and “repeat.” However, the range is limited and several expressions are imprecise or unnatural for describing a diagram. For example, “do hole in it” does not clearly describe the prepared opening, and “the remaining portions” is vague. “Exact quantity” is also not the function shown; the markings indicate elapsed time. Use more precise process vocabulary and avoid repeating “bottle” and “fill” where clearer terms such as “container,” “collect,” or “water level” would help.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt to connect ideas in longer sentences, using clauses with “but,” “until,” and “which,” as well as some sequencing language. However, these complex sentences are often difficult to control, and errors occur frequently enough to affect clarity. For example, “the whole procedure … involves 7 different stages” shifts awkwardly between singular and plural, while “the early phases involves” has subject–verb disagreement. The sentence beginning “there are two plastic bottles” runs through several actions without clear sentence boundaries, and “it have levels” also has incorrect agreement. Aim for shorter, complete sentences and check verb agreement, articles, and punctuation before combining clauses.

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.