Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-07

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of constructing and operating a simple water clock using two plastic bottles, a stand, a tap and a straw.

Overall, the process involves preparing a bottle with an outlet, positioning it above a second bottle, and using the rate of water flowing from the upper container to measure time. Once the water level has been marked at regular intervals, the device can be emptied and reused.

First, a plastic bottle is secured vertically to a stand using tape. A small hole is made in the bottom of this bottle and initially covered with a finger. A second plastic bottle has its neck removed and is placed directly beneath the first one to collect the water.

The next stage involves turning on a tap and filling the upper bottle until the water reaches the point where the straw is attached. The straw is inserted horizontally through the bottle and sealed carefully with glue to prevent leakage. The bottle is then filled to the required level, allowing the water level to remain constant while the clock is being prepared.

Once everything is ready, the finger is removed from the hole at the bottom of the upper bottle, allowing water to flow steadily into the lower container. As the water accumulates, the level in the lower bottle is used to indicate the passage of time. Marks are made on this bottle at one-minute intervals, creating a simple scale for measuring elapsed time.

Finally, after the required period has been measured, the lower bottle can be emptied and the process repeated. In this way, the device can be used repeatedly for timing different activities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response provides a clear and accurate description of the water clock construction process. You have successfully identified all key stages, from the initial setup of the bottles to the calibration and operation of the device. The overview is effective, providing a concise summary of the process without simply repeating the prompt. The information is well-selected, and the logical flow of the stages is easy to follow. You have fully addressed the requirements of the task by describing the mechanism clearly, making the process easy for a reader to visualize.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear progression from preparation to operation. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different phases of the process. You have employed a range of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'The next stage', 'Once everything is ready', and 'Finally', which guide the reader smoothly through the steps. The referencing is clear, and the relationship between the two bottles is maintained throughout the text. The flow of information is natural and coherent, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical description. Phrases like 'secured vertically', 'accumulates', 'indicate the passage of time', and 'elapsed time' are precise and well-chosen. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'turning on a tap', you could use 'initiating the water flow'. However, the current range is sufficient to convey the process clearly and accurately without any noticeable errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a high level of grammatical control. You have used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases ('allowing the water level to remain constant') and passive voice constructions ('is secured', 'is inserted', 'can be emptied'), which are appropriate for describing a process. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the overall control of tense and structure is consistent throughout the report.

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