Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-30

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the procedure for constructing a water clock.

Overall, the process is divided into three different parts: the water source, a plastic bottle in the middle, as well as the bottom half of a bottle used for measurement. It is a 7-step procedure.

It begins with turning on the faucet so that water can flow to the bottle. The plastic bottle is taped to the wall and its bottom is poked to create a hole, which is initially blocked by a finger. After that, the bottle is filled with water until it overflows and water starts to drip from the straw attached to the side of it.

The hole is then let open by pulling away the finger blocking it. Subsequently, water starts to slowly drip from the plastic bottle. It is then contained into a plastic bottle that has its neck cut off. The water level is marked with a pencil every minute. For future timing use, the measuring bottle is emptied and the process is repeated.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all stages of the process, from the water source to the final measurement. You have clearly identified the key components and the sequence of steps. The overview provides a helpful summary of the apparatus involved. To reach a higher band, ensure that every detail in the diagram is fully integrated; for instance, the specific mention of the 'straw' is good, but you could further clarify the purpose of the 'overflow' mechanism to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the process. Overall, the information is accurate and the task requirements are fully met.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The report is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a descriptive body, and a logical progression of steps. You use cohesive devices such as 'It begins with', 'After that', and 'Subsequently' to guide the reader through the process effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the procedural details. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the steps is easy to follow. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices slightly more to avoid a repetitive structure at the start of each sentence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'constructing', 'procedure', 'initially blocked', and 'contained'. The language is generally precise and appropriate for a technical description. However, there is some repetition of basic words like 'bottle' and 'water'. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more varied synonyms or descriptive phrases to avoid redundancy. For example, instead of repeating 'plastic bottle', you could use 'the container' or 'the apparatus'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly without any significant errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The plastic bottle is taped to the wall and its bottom is poked to create a hole, which is initially blocked by a finger.' Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is handled well. There are no major errors that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or conditional clauses, to demonstrate greater control and flexibility in your writing.

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