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 diagram illustrates how a water clock is made.

Overall, it is clear that the process consists of several seven stages. Beginning with the tap is turned on and ending with the completion of the water clock. The finger is then removed , allowing the water to flow, while the water is measured at regular intervals.

Initially, the tap is turned on and the upper plastic bottle is filled with water. The hole of the bottom of the bottle is covered with a finger to prevent the water from flowing out. Once the bottle is filled, the finger is removed, allowing the water to flow through the hole. As the water level reaches the straw, the excess water flow out through out the straw.

After that, the water is allowed to drip from the hole into the lower plastic bottle, whose neck has been cut off. The water level in the bottle is marked at regular one -minute intervals. Finally, the markings are used to measures the passage of time, completing the time clock.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all stages of the process clearly and accurately. You have successfully identified the key steps, from filling the upper bottle to marking the time intervals. The overview is present, though it contains a slight inaccuracy by stating there are 'several seven stages'—this is redundant and confusing. To improve, ensure your overview provides a concise summary of the main stages without contradictory numbering. The description of the process is logical and follows the visual information well, meeting the requirements for a process description task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', and 'Finally' to signal the progression of time. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the sentence structure in the overview is a bit awkward. The referencing is generally clear, though the flow between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner with a clear progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You use a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'intervals', 'excess', and 'passage of time'. There are some minor errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'measures the passage of time' (should be 'measure') and 'time clock' (should be 'water clock'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for a higher band. Attempting more precise technical terms related to the diagram would enhance your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that slightly distract the reader, such as 'the tap is turned on' (passive voice usage is inconsistent with the active 'Beginning with'), 'flow out through out' (repetition/typo), and 'measures' instead of 'measure'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and eliminating redundant words will help improve your accuracy.

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

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