Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-17

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 6.0)

The schematic diagram represents the working principal of a mechanical arm and depicts the resemblance of its joints with the mechanism of human arm.

Overall, the mechanical arm consists with 3 motors connected with a computer. The whole arm rests on the base, which is attached to a shoulder. There are several alternative end-effectors that can replace the gripper, like: spray paint, drill holes and weld metal.

Computer is the processing unit of the mechanical arm, as it controls the precision of motors. There are 3 motors that moves the arm in different directions. Base is usually stationary but can move occasionally also and the shoulder that rests upon the base, helps the arm to rise or bring down, while the pivot allows the arm to rotate the arm with respect to the base. There is a motor attached to the base and another one is at the elbow, which helps the elbow to move and provide flexibility. Wrist allows the gripper or any other end-effectors to flex or rotate. In built sensors are accompanied with grippers, which can control the force of the gripper. Sometimes gripper can be replaced by alternative end-effectors.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the mechanical arm, including the role of the computer, motors, and end-effectors. You have made a clear attempt to compare the mechanical components to human-like functions, such as the shoulder and elbow. However, the description is slightly repetitive in places, and the comparison to human anatomy could be more explicitly integrated into the flow of the report rather than just mentioned in the introduction. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the mechanical joints and human counterparts is consistently highlighted throughout the body paragraphs, rather than just listing the parts.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized, moving from an overview to specific components. Paragraphing is present, though the transition between the general overview and the detailed description of parts could be smoother. You use some cohesive devices like 'while' and 'as', but the flow is occasionally interrupted by short, choppy sentences. The referencing is generally clear, but some sentences, such as 'Base is usually stationary but can move occasionally also', feel slightly disjointed from the preceding information. Improving the use of linking words to connect the function of one part to the next would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms like 'end-effectors', 'pivot', and 'precision'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'working principal' (should be 'principle') and 'consists with' (should be 'consists of'). Additionally, 'drill holes' is used as a noun phrase in a list where other items are nouns, which is slightly awkward. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Focusing on correct collocations and more varied descriptive verbs would improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement issues ('3 motors that moves' should be 'move') and missing articles ('Computer is the processing unit' should be 'The computer is the processing unit'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the use of the colon in the list is slightly informal for an academic report. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. You should focus on proofreading for basic article usage and subject-verb agreement to ensure greater accuracy.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.