Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-10-20

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 the seven-step sequential process for the production of a water clock. Overall, this is a linear multi-stage process that starts by turning the tap on after setting an equipment with accessories which follows a particular procedure culminating in the formation of a water clock.

Initially, a setup is made in which a stand is attached to a plastic bottle with the help of a tape and a measuring flask is also placed on it. In addition, a straw is glued with the bottle. To begin with, after the stand is placed under the tap, its turned on and the water passes through the bottle having a small hole at the end, which is covered with a finger to prevent leakage. Thereafter, the top bottle is filled with water to overflow from it, leading to oozing water out from the straw. Once filled, the level of water is made constant with the straw. The finger is moved away from the hole of the top bottle to let the water move out from the aperture. Subsequently, the frequency of water drops flowing from the bottle is recorded. After emptying the top bottle, the process is repeated again to note the timings of water flow.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The report covers the main sequence and gives an overview that identifies the process as linear, beginning with the tap and ending with repeated timing. It also includes relevant construction details, such as attaching the upper bottle to a stand and fixing a straw to it. However, some stages are unclear or inaccurately described: the lower bottle is called a “measuring flask,” and the account does not explain that it has its neck cut off or that calibration lines are marked on it. The purpose of the straw as an overflow outlet is partly conveyed, but “the level of water is made constant with the straw” is imprecise. Clarify the apparatus and explain that the lower bottle’s water levels are marked per minute to make the timing function explicit.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction and overview are followed by a description of the setup and the operating stages. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially,” “Thereafter,” and “Subsequently” help the reader follow the process. However, the progression is occasionally mechanical or confusing because several transitions overlap: “To begin with” appears after “Initially,” and the sentence beginning “To begin with, after the stand is placed under the tap” combines setup and operation. Some references are also unclear, particularly “its turned on,” where the referent is not explicit. Group the construction details together, then describe the numbered operating stages in order, using transitions selectively and clear references to each bottle.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of process vocabulary, including “sequential process,” “attached,” “glued,” “overflow,” and “aperture.” These choices show an attempt to vary wording, and the meaning is generally understandable. Some less natural or imprecise expressions limit clarity: “production of a water clock” suggests manufacturing rather than assembling and using the device; “measuring flask” does not match the labelled plastic bottle; and “frequency of water drops” is not the same as the marked water level per minute. “Oozing water” is also an awkward description of water flowing from the straw. Choose terms that match the diagram precisely, especially for the containers, overflow, and measurement method, and favour natural process collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex structures, including relative clauses and time clauses, as in “which is covered with a finger” and “Once filled, the level of water is made constant.” Most stages remain understandable, but some grammatical errors and awkward constructions occur. For example, “its turned on” needs the possessive pronoun “it” plus “is” (“it is turned on”), while “after setting an equipment” has an article and countability problem. The opening overview also has an unclear structure in “after setting an equipment with accessories which follows a particular procedure.” Review articles, pronouns, and clause attachment, and make sure each sentence has a clear subject and verb. More controlled sentence construction would improve accuracy without sacrificing variety.

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