Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-28

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 depicts the sequential process of how to build a water clock.

Overall, there are seven distinct stages, beginning with turning on the water tap and culminating in repeating the process for timing.

To begin with, an empty plastic bottle is attached upside down to the upper section of a stand using tape, while a bottle with its top removed is placed at the bottom. Next, a small hole is pierced near the neck to insert a straw, which is secured using glue. Following this, the upper bottle is positioned beneath the tap. The tap is then turned on while the hole is covered with a finger, allowing the upper section to be filled to overflowing. Once the water reaches the straw level, the finger is removed from the hole.

Subsequently, water begins dripping into the lower container, allowing the time level to be measured per minute. Finally, to reuse the device, the lower bottle can be emptied, and the process is repeated as required.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student provides a clear and well-structured overview of the process for building a water clock, successfully covering all seven distinct stages depicted in the diagram. The report correctly identifies the key components, such as the upper and lower plastic bottles, the stand, the overflow straw, and the calibration process. The overview statement effectively summarises the main function and total number of steps without copying the prompt verbatim. The information is accurate, factual, and directly derived from the visual stimulus, demonstrating a strong understanding of how to describe mechanical processes in an academic report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The response is logically organised and easy to follow. Ideas are well-sequenced, reflecting the chronological order of the process diagram. Paragraphing is used effectively, separating the introduction, overall summary, main body, and concluding stages. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Next', 'Following this', and 'Subsequently' are employed naturally to guide the reader through the sequence of events without feeling mechanical. Reference words are handled appropriately, ensuring that the relationships between the equipment and the actions remain clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is appropriate and accurate for an academic process description. The student demonstrates a good range of functional lexis related to diagrams and manufacturing actions, such as 'sequential process', 'culminating in', 'attached upside down', 'pierced', and 'calibration' concepts. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with expressions like 'overflow straw' and 'lower container' used naturally. Although there is limited use of highly advanced or rare academic vocabulary, the lexical range is more than sufficient to communicate the information clearly and flexibly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The student exhibits good control over a variety of sentence structures, successfully combining simple and complex forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, utilizing passive voice structures effectively ('is attached', 'is pierced', 'is secured') which are standard and appropriate for scientific process descriptions. Complex clauses such as 'while a bottle with its top removed is placed at the bottom' and 'Once the water reaches the straw level, the finger is removed' are handled with accurate punctuation and grammar. Errors are virtually absent, demonstrating a high level of grammatical accuracy.

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