Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-21

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 diagram illustrates the main components and functions of an industrial robotic arm, as well as some alternative end-effectors that can be attached to it.

Overall, the robotic arm is controlled by a computer and consists of several motors and moving parts, including a base, shoulder, elbow, wrist and gripper. The gripper can also be replaced by different tools for specific industrial tasks.

At the top of the system, a computer provides precise control of the motors. There are three motors that operate different parts of the arm. The base is usually stationary, although it can occasionally be moved. Above the base, the shoulder allows the arm to be raised or lowered, while the pivot enables the arm to rotate. The elbow provides movement and flexibility. Further along the arm, the wrist allows the gripper or another end-effector to flex and rotate.

At the end of the arm, the gripper has built-in sensors that control the force applied to objects. Alternatively, it can be fitted with tools for spraying or painting, drilling holes, or welding metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the robotic arm, including its components and the function of the end-effectors. You have clearly described the mechanical structure and the role of the computer control system. However, the prompt specifically asked to compare the robotic arm's joints to those of a human arm. This crucial aspect of the task was entirely omitted from your report. To achieve a higher band, you must ensure all parts of the prompt are addressed. While the description of the arm is accurate, the failure to mention the human-like functionality of the joints limits the score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the introduction, the general overview, the mechanical description, and the end-effector functions. Cohesive devices such as 'At the top of the system', 'Above the base', and 'Alternatively' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the diagram. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different parts of the arm is easy to follow. The structure is coherent and supports the overall purpose of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a technical description, such as 'end-effectors', 'stationary', 'pivot', and 'precise control'. The terminology is accurate and fits the context well. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or precise technical descriptors to describe the movement and interaction of the components, but the current range is sufficient for the task and demonstrates a good level of control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The grammar is generally accurate, with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used passive voice effectively ('can be replaced', 'can be fitted') to describe the mechanical processes, which is appropriate for this type of report. There are very few errors, and the punctuation is handled correctly. The sentences are clear and easy to read. To improve further, you could experiment with more varied sentence beginnings and complex structures to demonstrate a wider range of grammatical control.

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

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