Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-31

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 making water clock and we will learn how to build a water clock.

Overall,the process comprises of seven step.Each step have an important rule.In first stage water is added into a bottle and after the whole process at the end the water is pored drop by drop into jar and by this water clock is made.

First of all,water is added into bottle through tap and bottle is being stranded with the help of tape with stand.After that in second step cover the hole with finger at the bottom of bottle.Moreover,when the bottle is filled with water and level become constant.After which remove finger from bottom and let the water drop into jar.Furthermore,the lines on jar indicates minutes if water cross one line it means one minute was passed.At the end when the jar fills repeat the process for timing different projects and things.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response identifies the diagram as a water-clock process and gives a broad sequence from adding water to using marked levels for timing. It also mentions several relevant components, including the tap, finger covering the hole, and lower jar. However, some stages are unclear or inaccurately described: the upper bottle is filled until water overflows, then the water level is kept constant before the finger is removed; this sequence is not clearly conveyed. The account also says the water is poured into the jar at the end, whereas it drips into the lower bottle during operation. The overview is vague and does not explain the apparatus’s overall function. A more precise overview and clearer coverage of the setup and stages would strengthen the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response follows a generally chronological order and uses sequencing expressions such as “First of all,” “After that,” and “At the end,” so the reader can recognise the intended process. It also separates the overview from the main description. However, progression is weakened by unclear links between stages: “Moreover, when the bottle is filled with water and level become constant” is not a complete, clearly connected step, and “After which” does not smoothly introduce the next action. Several transitions are used mechanically, while the final sentence combines the calibration explanation and repetition instruction. Organise the stages into clearer sentences and use linking words only where they show a precise relationship.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The response uses a basic range of process vocabulary, including “process,” “stage,” “tap,” “hole,” “lines,” and “minutes,” which allows the main topic to be understood. However, word choice and collocation are often imprecise or repetitive. “Water is added” and “filled with water” repeat a general description, while “water is pored drop by drop into jar” does not accurately describe the diagram’s dripping action. “Different projects and things” is vague, and “stranded with the help of tape” is an unsuitable expression for attaching the bottle to the stand. Use more specific terms such as “upper bottle,” “lower container,” “overflow,” and “calibration marks” to describe the equipment and its function accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts both simple and more complex sentences, including a sequence of actions and a conditional explanation: “if water cross one line it means one minute was passed.” However, grammatical errors occur frequently and sometimes make the process difficult to follow. Examples include “seven step,” “Each step have,” “level become constant,” and “the lines on jar indicates,” where number agreement is not controlled. Articles are often missing, and verb forms are inaccurate in phrases such as “water is pored” and “one minute was passed.” Some sentences are also incomplete or awkwardly joined, particularly “Moreover, when the bottle is filled…” Practise accurate subject–verb agreement, articles, and complete sentence structures before adding more complex 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.