Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-01

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of making a water clock, showing the main components and the steps involved in assembling and operating it.

Overall, the water clock consists of two containers, one positioned above the other, with water flowing from the upper container into the lower one. The level of water in the lower container is then used to indicate the passage of time.

First, a small hole is made in the bottom of the upper container. This container is then filled with water and placed above the second container. As water flows through the hole, it gradually collects in the lower container.

Next, a scale or measuring device is positioned alongside the lower container. As the water level rises, it corresponds to different markings on the scale, allowing the passage of time to be measured. The scale can therefore be marked according to the amount of time represented by each water level.

Finally, once the water reaches a particular mark, the corresponding time can be read from the scale. The water clock can then be emptied and refilled to repeat the process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the task only partially, earning a mid-level score. While the writer provides an introduction and an overview of the water clock's general operation, the detailed steps described in the body paragraphs fail to accurately reflect the specific stages and physical setup shown in the visual data. The diagram clearly depicts a seven-step building and operation process featuring specific components such as an overflow straw, a vertical wooden stand, and a tap. The student's description largely glosses over these crucial visual details, providing a generic account of how a water clock works rather than describing the exact apparatus and sequenced stages presented in the prompt. To reach higher bands, the response would need to meticulously cover all key components and sequential steps illustrated in the diagram, ensuring the report is fully grounded in the provided visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout, achieving a strong score for this criterion. The student structures the essay effectively into an introduction, an overview paragraph, and three sequential body paragraphs that guide the reader through the operation of the device. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately, with transition words and phrases such as 'Overall', 'First', 'As water flows', 'Next', and 'Finally' connecting the ideas smoothly. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph maintaining a clear central topic. Referencing and substitution are handled well, ensuring that the relationships between the containers and the water flow remain clear to the reader at all times.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, providing a sufficient range for some precision and flexibility. The writer successfully employs appropriate terms related to processes and measurement, such as 'components', 'assembling', 'gradually collects', 'measuring device', and 'passage of time'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a lack of less common lexical items or precise technical vocabulary specific to the diagram, such as 'overflow', 'straw', 'tap', or 'calibration'. Spelling and word-choice errors are absent, and communication is clear throughout. To move towards a higher band, the student should incorporate a wider variety of precise, less common vocabulary directly relevant to the specific features and components shown in the visual prompt.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response displays good control of grammar and punctuation, earning a solid score. The student uses a variety of sentence structures, successfully mixing simple and complex forms, such as 'As water flows through the hole, it gradually collects in the lower container' and 'The water clock can then be emptied and refilled to repeat the process.' There are frequent error-free sentences, and verb forms, tenses, articles, and prepositions are handled accurately throughout the text. Punctuation is also well managed, aiding readability. To achieve an even higher band, the writer would need to incorporate a wider and more ambitious range of complex structures consistently while maintaining this high level of grammatical accuracy.

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

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