Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The diagram illustrates the process of making a water clock.

Overall, there are seven distinct stages, beginning with preparing the two bottles and ending with emptying the lower container and repeating the process to measure time.

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

Subsequently, water begins to drip through the straw into the lower container, allowing the passage of time to be measured in minutes. Finally, when the timing is complete, the lower bottle can be emptied, and the process can be repeated as required.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response covers all key parts of the process well. The student successfully identifies the main components and outlines the seven distinct stages shown in the diagram, beginning with the preparation of the bottles and ending with measuring time and repeating the process. The overview is clear and accurately reflects the overall mechanism. Minor details, such as the exact function of the straw as an overflow drain, are described well, although the wording slightly reinterprets the exact mechanics of stage 6 ('levels per minute'). Nonetheless, the task is fully and accurately addressed, meeting the Band 7.5 to 8 requirements for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from start to finish. Paragraphing is used effectively, separating the introduction and overview from the detailed body stages. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Next', 'Following this', and 'Subsequently' are employed smoothly to guide the reader through the sequence of steps. Referencing is clear throughout, making the text easy to follow without any mechanical awkwardness, fully satisfying the requirements for Band 8.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a process, using terms like 'distinct stages', 'upside down', 'secured with glue', and 'container'. While the vocabulary is adequate and mostly accurate, it lacks the broader flexibility and precision of less common lexical items characteristic of Band 8. Word choices are natural, and there are no spelling or collocation errors that impede communication, placing this securely at Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writing features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating participial phrases (e.g., 'beginning with preparing...', 'allowing the bottle to fill...') and subordinate clauses effectively. Control of grammar and punctuation is strong, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Minor slips are absent, and the grammatical structures handle the demands of process description with ease, matching the descriptor for Band 8.

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

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