Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-19

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 process diagram illustrates the making of a water clock.

On the whole, the procedure consists of seven steps, begining with tap water and ends after several repetitions. All of this happens in a lab.

Initially, water is poured in a plastic bottle sticking with stand using tape and having hole at the bottom as well as a straw on one side of it pasted there by glue. While tap is on, the hole is covered with finger until the water is filled and starts overflowing. To keep the level of water maintained, extra water is removed through the straw. Once the water level is obtained, finger is removed from bottom hole and water drops starts dropping into another bottle which is kept at the end of stand with its neck cut off. At this stage, levels of water per minute are observed and the last step is to empty the second bottle and this process is repeated for observing the timings at different water levels. Once you finalizes the time at each water level , your own water clock is ready.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the process, from the initial setup to the final calibration. The overview is clear, identifying the seven-step nature of the procedure. However, the description of the apparatus is slightly cluttered, and the explanation of the overflow mechanism could be more precise. While the main features are highlighted, the response lacks a more sophisticated synthesis of the process, which is expected for a higher band. The instructions are followed well, and the information is accurate based on the provided diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the steps of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction from the body. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'While', and 'Once' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. For example, the transition between the overflow mechanism and the observation phase is a bit abrupt. Overall, the information is easy to follow, and the progression is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing for a clear description of the process. There are some attempts at more specific terminology, such as 'overflowing' and 'calibration' (implied). However, there are some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'sticking with stand' and 'water drops starts dropping'. These errors do not impede communication, but they limit the precision of the description. To reach a higher band, more varied and precise technical vocabulary related to laboratory equipment and fluid dynamics would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('the hole', 'the water', 'the straw') and subject-verb agreement ('water drops starts dropping', 'Once you finalizes'). Punctuation is generally functional, though some sentences are slightly run-on. While the errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding the process. To improve, focus on consistent article usage and ensuring that verbs agree with their subjects in complex sentences.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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