Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-11-04

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 shows how we can create a water clock. We need to follow some steps in order to obtain accuracy for timing things.

Firstly, We need a stand, a tape, plastic bottle with neck cut off, a whole plastic bottle with two holes, glue and a straw. Then we shall tape the whole plastic bottle with upper side of stand. Straw will be attached to the upper hole of this bottle using some glue.

Secondly, We shall place the plastic bottle with neck cut off on the L-shape side of stand (right below the first bottle). Then we shall place this stand under a water tap.

Thirdly, We shall turn the tap on and instantly cover the lower hole of upper plastic bottle with our finger and let the water fill until it reaches the upper hole from where it will start to overflow. When the level of water is constant in the upper bottle then remove the finger from hole and let the water drop into the other bottle (neck cut off). Afterwards, we can analyze the levels per minutes. Lastly we shall empty the below bottle and repeat the process for timing things.

Following the upper procedure we can accurately make a water clock. However, having any mistake in the above process will cause inaccurate water flow.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The report covers the main sequence, from assembling the bottles and stand to allowing water to flow, reading the levels, and repeating the process. It also includes relevant details such as the straw, glue, tape, and the lower bottle with its neck removed. However, some stages are not described accurately: the finger should cover the hole at the base of the upper bottle while it is filled, whereas the response refers to a “lower hole” after mentioning two holes. The diagram also shows the upper bottle filling until water overflows through the straw, not simply reaching an “upper hole.” The overview is limited to a general claim about accuracy; a clearer summary of the apparatus and its timed-flow principle would make the key features more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a coherent overall arrangement: it introduces the process, describes construction, then explains operation and repetition. Sequencing expressions such as “Firstly,” “Secondly,” “Thirdly,” and “Lastly” help the reader follow the stages. However, this repeated listing makes the progression somewhat mechanical, and the long third paragraph combines several distinct actions that would be clearer if divided into filling, releasing the water, and reading the markings. Some references are also imprecise: “this bottle,” “the upper hole,” and “the other bottle” require the reader to infer which component is meant. Use clearer labels consistently, such as “upper bottle,” “overflow straw,” and “lower measuring bottle,” and connect stages with more varied, precise transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

There is adequate vocabulary for describing the equipment and sequence, including “stand,” “overflow,” “attached,” and “levels.” The writer also attempts process-related phrasing such as “analyze the levels,” which shows some range. However, several choices are imprecise or unnatural for a diagram report: “obtain accuracy” and “accurately make a water clock” do not clearly describe the process, while “upper hole” mislabels the straw’s overflow outlet. “Water drop” is also less natural than “water flow” or “water drip.” Repeated use of “bottle” and “hole” limits precision. More exact terms for the components and actions would improve clarity, while avoiding unsupported claims about accuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response uses both simple sentences and longer clauses, for example, “When the level of water is constant … remove the finger … and let the water drop,” so there is some structural variety. The sequence is generally understandable, but some grammatical errors remain. “We need to follow some steps in order to obtain accuracy for timing things” is awkwardly constructed, and “when the level … is constant … remove” shifts from a third-person condition to an imperative without a clear subject. There are also inconsistent forms in “We shall” and “we can,” and the sentence beginning “Thirdly” is overloaded with coordinated actions. Aim for consistent present-simple process descriptions and divide long instructions into complete, controlled sentences.

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