Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-22

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some countries, it can be very difficult for people over the age of 50 to get good jobs, despite their experience.

What do you think are the causes of this problem, and what measures could be taken to solve it?

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Student answer (Band 5.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of making a water clock using two plastic bottles, a stand, a tap and a straw.

Overall, the process involves filling the upper bottle with water and allowing it to flow into a lower container. The water level in the upper bottle is kept constant, while the markings on the lower bottle indicate the passage of time.

First, a tap is used to fill the upper plastic bottle with water. Once it is filled to the required level, the hole at the bottom is covered with a finger. The bottle is then filled until the water reaches the overflow level. Next, a straw is attached to the side of the bottle and sealed with glue. This helps maintain a constant water level.

Finally, the finger is removed, allowing water to flow through the lower hole into a second plastic bottle with its neck cut off. This container is placed underneath the upper bottle on a stand. The markings on it show how much water has collected and therefore measure the time passed.The diagram illustrates the process of making a water clock using two plastic bottles, a stand, a tap and a straw.

Overall, the process consists of several stages, beginning with filling the upper bottle with water and ending with measuring the amount of water collected in the lower container. The water level in the upper bottle is maintained at a constant level, allowing the device to measure the passage of time.

First, a plastic bottle is fixed vertically to a stand using tape. A tap is then used to fill the bottle with water. Once the bottle contains enough water, the hole at its bottom is covered with a finger. The bottle is subsequently filled until the water reaches the overflow level. At this point, a straw is attached to the side of the bottle and sealed securely with glue. The purpose of the straw is to allow excess water to escape and maintain a constant water level.

In the final stages, the finger is removed from the hole at the bottom of the upper bottle, allowing water to flow downwards. A second plastic bottle, with its neck cut off, is placed beneath it to collect the water. This container has markings on its side, which allow the amount of collected water to be measured.

As the water flows continuously from the upper bottle, it gradually accumulates in the lower container. The markings on this container make it possible to observe the changing water level. In this way, the amount of water collected can be compared with the markings to determine the amount of time that has passed. The stand keeps both bottles securely positioned throughout the process, while the straw ensures that the water level in the upper bottle remains stable. Therefore, the complete system works as a simple water-based clock without requiring any electronic equipment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 1.0

The response is completely off-topic. The prompt asks for an essay regarding the difficulties faced by people over 50 in the job market, including causes and solutions. However, the student has provided a description of a process (making a water clock), which is a task type for Academic Writing Task 1. Because the response fails to address the prompt entirely, it cannot be assessed for task achievement in relation to the specific question asked. According to IELTS criteria, a response that is completely unrelated to the task must be awarded a band 1 for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

Although the content is irrelevant to the prompt, the writing itself is coherent. The student uses logical sequencing and clear paragraphing to describe the process. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', 'Finally', and 'In the final stages' are used effectively to guide the reader through the steps. The progression of ideas is logical, and referencing is clear. If this were a Task 1 response, it would score highly for coherence; however, as it is a response to a Task 2 prompt, the lack of relevance to the topic is a significant issue. Nevertheless, the internal structure is well-managed.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is appropriate for a process description. The student uses technical terms such as 'accumulates', 'vertically', 'overflow level', and 'securely positioned' with good control. There is a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the steps of the process clearly. While the vocabulary is not particularly sophisticated or academic in the context of a discursive essay, it is precise and accurate for the subject matter the student chose to write about. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'As the water flows continuously from the upper bottle, it gradually accumulates in the lower container.' The use of passive voice ('is attached', 'is removed', 'is placed') is appropriate for a process description. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The grammar is consistent and does not impede communication, showing a level of control that would be considered strong in a standard writing task.

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