Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-17

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 a water clock making process along with explaining how one can build his own water clock. It includes a total of seven stages, step by step, and one is required to follow these instructions for the proper outcome.

At first, the tap gets on, and the hole at the other end of the plastic bottle gets covered with a finger. Then, the water fills the bottle till it overflows. When the water level is constant, the finger is removed from the hole, and the water flows down to the other part of the bottle. Meanwhile, the timing is recorded per minute.

The water bottle gets empty, and the process is repeated for timing things. Finally, after repeated testing of the water clock, it was built.

In conclusion, the diagram thoroughly describes the process of building the water clock. If followed correctly, a professional water clock can be built conveniently.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully covers the main stages of the water clock building process shown in the diagram, progressing from setting up the tap and covering the hole to filling, timing, and calibration. All seven stages are mentioned in order. However, the description lacks detail regarding the physical setup of the apparatus, such as the upper and lower bottles, the wooden stand, the tape, glue, and the overflow straw. While the essential process is outlined, these key structural features are omitted or generalized (e.g., 'the other part of the bottle'), which limits the thoroughness of the overview. Despite these omissions, the response fulfills the basic requirements of Task 1 by summarizing the linear process adequately.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is arranged in a logical overall sequence that follows the steps of the diagram chronologically. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the body describing the steps, and a concluding remark. Cohesive devices such as 'At first', 'Then', 'Meanwhile', and 'Finally' are utilized to guide the reader through the process. However, some referencing is slightly imprecise (e.g., 'the other part of the bottle'), which creates minor confusion about the exact spatial relationship between the upper and lower containers. Overall, the flow is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for describing a basic process, incorporating terms like 'illustrates', 'stages', 'constant', and 'recorded'. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive, relying on basic phrasing such as 'water fills the bottle' and 'water gets empty'. There are also minor stylistic awkwardnesses, such as 'water clock making process' instead of 'process of making a water clock' and 'build his own water clock'. Less common lexical items are attempted but lack precision and variety.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing passive voice constructions effectively in places, such as 'the hole... gets covered' and 'the water level is constant'. There are a few grammatical inaccuracies and awkward phrasings, such as 'the tap gets on' (rather than 'is turned on') and 'the water bottle gets empty' (rather than 'empties'). Punctuation is generally sound, and errors do not impede communication, allowing the reader to understand the steps described without difficulty.

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