Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-08-31

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 illustrates the process of building a water clock which was used to measure the passage of time in ancient times.

For this experiment, you would require two plastic bottles, one with its neck cut off and the other with a hole drilled at the base, you would also need a stand, tape, straw and a constant flow of water. You tie the bottles to the stand in such a way that the water bottle with its neck attached is tied near the top of the stand directly below the tap and the other bottle is placed below the first bottle. You would also need to insert a straw near the top of the first bottle.

To measure time, you first turn the tap on and temporarily plug the bottom hole with a finger until the bottle is filled to the top and it starts overflowing. Once the water is leveled, you remove your finger from the hole so that it drips into the second bottle. You will now be able to estimate how much time has passed by checking the water level markings on the second bottle. After it gets completely full, you empty it and start again.

Overall, this is a very clever technique to measure time. In ancient times, when clocks weren't available, this method proved to be very handy and useful to keep time in check.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have successfully identified the key stages of the process and provided a clear overview. The description of the equipment and the step-by-step procedure is logical and covers all necessary details from the diagram. However, the response leans slightly towards a narrative style rather than a formal academic report. To reach a higher band, ensure the tone remains objective and analytical. For instance, instead of using 'you would require' or 'you first turn', use passive voice constructions like 'two plastic bottles are required' or 'the tap is turned on'. This shift would better suit the academic context requested in the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for the equipment and process, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from the setup to the operation of the clock. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Once the water is leveled' and 'After it gets completely full', which help guide the reader. However, the transition between the equipment list and the procedure could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is easy to follow, which is a strength of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'constant flow', 'overflowing', and 'estimate'. While the vocabulary is sufficient for the task, it is somewhat basic. To improve, incorporate more precise technical or descriptive terminology related to processes, such as 'apparatus', 'calibrated', 'subsequently', or 'facilitate'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, but the lexical range is not yet sophisticated enough to reach the higher bands. Focus on using more academic collocations to enhance the professional tone of your report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'You tie the bottles to the stand in such a way that the water bottle... is tied near the top'. While generally accurate, there are some minor issues with punctuation and sentence construction. For example, the sentence 'For this experiment, you would require two plastic bottles, one with its neck cut off and the other with a hole drilled at the base, you would also need a stand, tape, straw and a constant flow of water' is a comma splice. Using a semicolon or starting a new sentence would improve the grammatical control.

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

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