Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-08

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how a mechanical arm works, and how the joints that make up the arm function in the same way as those in a human arm. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

The given illustration displays information about how a mechanical arm is designed to work and how it is adjacent to a human arm in some ways. Similar to a human arm, it has parts that resemble joints, allowing for flexible and natural movements.

Firstly, it is crucial to note that the mechanical arm is driven by several motors linked to a computer that initiates intricate and percise movements. Such motors are located in a multitude of areas within the arm, including the shoulder, elbow and gripper. The motor present in the shoulder allows for natural movements alternating between raising and lowering the arm. A pivot was constructed in the same area to allow for comfortable rotation of the shoulder. Moreover, the motor allocated within what resembles the arm's elbow manipulates flexibility, illustrating the function of our own joints.

Moving down the arm, the alternative end-effector, otherwise known as the wrist, allows for even more rotation. This part of the arm is carefully engineered using a plethora of items, namely weld metal, drill holes and spray paint to add colour. What supposedly resembles the arm's hand is known as the gripper, consisting of built in sensors that control the tightness of the grip. Holding the entire apparatus together is the base, usually designed to be completely stationary and rarely movable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the mechanical arm, including the motors, joints, and the gripper. You successfully identified the comparison to the human arm as requested. However, the description of the wrist is slightly inaccurate; you listed 'weld metal, drill holes and spray paint' as components of the wrist, which are manufacturing processes rather than structural parts of the arm itself. This indicates a slight misinterpretation of the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that all details reported are strictly based on the visual information provided and avoid including extraneous information that is not clearly depicted as a component.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction and body paragraphs that follow the structure of the arm from the shoulder down to the gripper. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'Moving down the arm' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different sections of the arm. The progression of ideas is clear, and the referencing is generally consistent. To improve, ensure that the transition between the description of the motors and the specific parts of the arm is smoother to avoid a slightly mechanical feel in the flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'end-effector', 'apparatus', and 'intricate'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'adjacent to' when describing the comparison to a human arm, where 'analogous to' or 'parallels' would be more precise. Additionally, the phrase 'multitude of areas' is slightly unnatural in this context. While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, some inaccuracies in collocation persist. Focusing on more precise technical terminology related to mechanical diagrams will help elevate your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Holding the entire apparatus together is the base, which is...'. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow. There is a minor spelling error ('percise' instead of 'precise'). Grammar is generally accurate, and punctuation is handled well. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions, which are particularly suitable for describing technical processes and mechanical diagrams. Overall, the errors present do not impede communication.

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

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