Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-05

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 the method consisting of several stages of how to design an own water clock.

Overall, the process includes seven different steps to follow one after the other. It involves different materials to be used such as, tap, water bottles (2), straw, tape, and a stand which assigned in vertical position to build a water clock.

To begin with, the primary step is to attach a plastic bottle at the top of a L-shaped stand by using tape, then insert the straw into bottle above the neck with a glue. Drill a hole at the bottom of the bottle from which the water drops into another bottle without a neck placed on the stand. Levels are marked on outside of the bottle to check the time.

The system operates by switching on the water tap into bottle opening. Place a finger at bottom hole, let the water overflow. Remove the finger and allow to fall drop by drop into another bottle. Then measure time by looking at the levels.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the process. You have provided a clear overview and described the sequential steps involved in building the water clock. However, the description of the mechanism is slightly unclear in places, such as the instruction to 'place a finger at bottom hole' and 'let the water overflow', which lacks context regarding the purpose of these actions within the scientific process. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the components and the physical principles (e.g., how the water flow relates to the time measurement) is explained more explicitly. Overall, you have covered all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, moving from an introduction to the materials and then through the sequential steps of the process. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'then', and 'overall' to guide the reader. However, the paragraphing is somewhat unbalanced, with the second paragraph containing a mix of material lists and procedural steps. Improving the flow between sentences by using more varied linking phrases would enhance the coherence. Currently, the progression is clear, but the transition between the setup phase and the operational phase could be smoother to avoid a mechanical feel.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'vertical position', 'L-shaped stand', and 'operates'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'design an own water clock' (should be 'design your own') and 'assigned in vertical position' (should be 'positioned vertically'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Attempting to use more precise technical collocations related to mechanical processes would improve your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('at bottom hole', 'into bottle opening') and awkward phrasing ('method consisting of several stages of how to design'). While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on the correct use of definite and indefinite articles and ensure that your sentence structures are grammatically sound. You have a good grasp of basic sentence construction, but more attention to detail regarding prepositions and articles is needed.

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

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