Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-07-25

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 6.0)

The given diagram shows the mechanical process and guide for how to build your own water clock.

The total procedure is divided into nine stages. The materials required for this include a stand, a straw, a small amount of glue and two water bottles, one intact and the other with its neck cut off. To make it, first put the tap on and cover the bottle's hole with your finger to fill it. The time when it starts overflowing and reaches the constant level, pull your hand away.

It will start dipping into the inside of the available bottle below. Draw the levels on it according to time. After some time, the water levels will begin to rise here, and you have to note the increasing levels per minute. That's how you can estimate the time. In the last empty, repeat the process according to your requirement.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response provides a basic overview of the process, but it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While the main steps are identified, the description lacks the necessary detail and precision expected for an Academic Task 1 report. The explanation of the steps, such as 'put the tap on' and 'pull your hand away', is somewhat informal and lacks the technical clarity required for describing a mechanical process. To improve, you should provide a more comprehensive description of the components and the physical principles involved, ensuring all stages are clearly and accurately explained to reach the required length.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is organized into a logical sequence, following the steps of the process. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the report is contained within a single paragraph, which hinders readability. While some cohesive devices are used, such as 'first' and 'after some time', the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider range of linking words and ensure that your paragraphing clearly separates the introduction, the overview of the process, and the detailed steps.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. Phrases like 'put the tap on' and 'pull your hand away' are functional but lack the precision and academic tone required for this type of report. There is little evidence of less common lexical items or precise technical terminology related to the diagram. To improve, focus on using more descriptive and precise verbs and nouns, such as 'assemble', 'calibrate', 'orifice', or 'graduated', which would demonstrate a more sophisticated control of language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'In the last empty, repeat the process', which is confusing and syntactically incorrect. The use of articles and prepositions is occasionally inconsistent. To improve, aim for greater variety in your sentence structures and pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions when describing technical procedures. Proofreading for minor slips will help improve the overall accuracy of your writing.

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