Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-12

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 how to build a water clock.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages and requires several materials including plastic bottles, a straw, tape, glue, a stand and a pencil. It begins with turning on the tap and ends with emptying of the lower bottle and repeating the process.

The diagram shows that a plastic bottle is attached to the stand with tape and then a straw is attached near the top of the bottle with glue. Another plastic bottle, with its neck cut off, is placed at the base of the stand.

Initially, the tap is turned on to fill the plastic bottle with water, while the hole at the bottom of the bottle is covered with a finger. The bottle is filled until the water reaches the level of straw and then this level is kept constant. After that, the finger is removed from the hole, allowing water to flow into the lower bottle. The lower bottle is marked at one-minute intervals to measure the water level. Finally, when all the water has flowed into the lower bottle, it is emptied and the process is repeated to measure the water level at different periods of time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by providing a clear and comprehensive overview of the water clock creation process. An effective overview is given, identifying the total number of stages and the required equipment, such as 'plastic bottles, a straw, tape, glue, a stand and a pencil'. The key stages of the process are described logically, from attaching the bottles to the stand to filling, measuring, and repeating the cycle. Details such as maintaining a constant water level and marking the lower bottle at one-minute intervals are accurately reported. The response is fully developed and satisfies all requirements of Academic Task 1 without any omissions. Band score: 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression from start to finish. The introduction presents an effective overview, while the body paragraphs follow the chronological sequence of the diagram seamlessly. Cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the steps, as seen in transition markers like 'It begins with', 'Initially', 'After that', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is handled well, separating the introduction/overview from the detailed breakdown of construction and operation. Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring that the relationships between the bottles, straw, and water are easy to follow. Band score: 8.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is adequate and appropriate for describing a technical process. The student successfully incorporates relevant terminology such as 'plastic bottles', 'straw', 'stand', 'constant', and 'intervals'. While the range is functional rather than exceptionally wide, the lexical items are deployed accurately. Phrases like 'allowing water to flow into the lower bottle' and 'measuring the water level at different periods of time' demonstrate good control over topic-specific phrasing. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. Band score: 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates good control over grammar and sentence structure, utilizing a mix of simple and complex forms to explain the process. Examples of complex structures include passive voice constructions like 'is attached to the stand', 'is filled until', and 'is marked at one-minute intervals', which are entirely appropriate for process descriptions. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly. Minor slips do not occur frequently, and grammatical inaccuracies are virtually absent, allowing the message to be communicated with clarity and precision. Band score: 8.0.

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