Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-29

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 given diagram elucidates how a robotic arms works in a similar fashion to human arm while performing tasks such as spray painting drilling and welding.

Overall, a mechanical arm is controlled by three computer monitored

motors and has joints similar to a human arm.

This arm is anchored to the foundation at the shoulder. This base is usually not moving, but sometimes it is movable. The movement of raising or lowering the arm is supported by the pivot installed between the shoulder and the base. This part also allows rotation of the whole arm, allowing it to work just like a human shoulder.

The elbow in the middle allows free movement including flexing and rotating, affording complete flexibility to the whole equipment. Similarly, the wrist of the mechanical arm functions just like a human counterpart allowing hand free movement, gripper in this case. Gripper is equipped with sensors to control force of hold. Gripper can be replaced by other end-effectors: spray paint, drilling and welding metals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the key components (base, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and end-effectors) and their functions. It successfully draws the comparison between the mechanical arm and human anatomy as requested. However, the description is somewhat descriptive rather than analytical. For instance, while it mentions the motors, it does not fully integrate how these drive the movement in relation to the joints. To reach a higher band, the response should focus more on the synthesis of information rather than listing parts, and ensure that the comparison to human anatomy is consistently maintained throughout the body paragraphs.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the structure of the arm from base to end-effector. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct sections. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat basic. Transitions between sentences are occasionally abrupt, and the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'in contrast to'). While the progression of ideas is clear, the lack of sophisticated cohesive links prevents the response from reaching a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with technical terms like 'end-effectors', 'pivot', and 'sensors' used correctly. There are some minor errors in word choice and phrasing, such as 'hand free movement' (likely meant 'hand-like movement') and 'mechanical arm works' (should be 'a mechanical arm works'). The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band. The repetition of 'human arm' and 'mechanical arm' could be mitigated by using synonyms or referring to the components more concisely.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as missing articles ('to human arm', 'to the foundation', 'to the base') and minor punctuation issues. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. The sentence structure is generally functional, but there is a lack of more sophisticated complex structures that would demonstrate greater grammatical control. Improving the consistency of article usage and refining sentence variety would significantly enhance the quality of the writing.

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

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