Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-05

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 diagram illustrates how a mechanical arm function, and how the joints that make up the arm works similarly to those in a human arm.

Overall, the mechanical arm has a base, shoulder, pivot and a gripper which are controlled by a motor. Additionally, computer is used to control the motors.

On the lower side their is a base, which is usually stationary or occasionally movable. Next to it is a shoulder which raises or lowers the arm. The pivot which enables the arm to rotate. The elbow allows movement or gives flexibility. Between the elbow and the gripper is a wrist that acts as an alternative end-effector and allows the gripper to rotate. The gripper is build in a sensor control force to wok as a human arm.

There are three motors. One is connected to the shoulder, elbow and the gripper. A computer is used for precision and control of motors. There are also alternative end-effectors including the spray paint, drill holes and the weld metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the mechanical arm, including its components and the role of the computer. However, the task specifically asks for a comparison between the mechanical arm and a human arm. While you mention the gripper works like a human arm, you do not elaborate on the specific joint comparisons (e.g., shoulder, elbow, wrist) shown in the diagram. The description of the components is somewhat list-like, and the inclusion of 'spray paint' and 'drill holes' as end-effectors is relevant, but the overall analysis lacks a cohesive comparison between the two systems as requested by the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the description. You use some cohesive devices like 'Additionally' and 'Next to it', but the flow between sentences is occasionally mechanical. For instance, the sentence 'The pivot which enables the arm to rotate' is a fragment because it lacks a main verb. Referencing is generally clear, but the progression of ideas could be smoother if you grouped the components by their function rather than just listing them in order of appearance. Overall, the structure is sufficient for a clear response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms like 'end-effector', 'stationary', and 'precision'. However, there are some word-choice errors that slightly hinder the precision of your writing. For example, you write 'gripper is build in a sensor', which should be 'built with a sensor', and 'drill holes' is not an end-effector itself (it is a task). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the sophistication and precise collocation required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are several grammatical errors throughout the text. Subject-verb agreement is inconsistent, such as 'mechanical arm function' (should be 'functions') and 'joints... works' (should be 'work'). You also have sentence fragments, such as 'The pivot which enables the arm to rotate', which lacks a predicate. While you attempt some complex structures, the frequency of these basic errors is noticeable. To improve, focus on ensuring every sentence has a clear subject and a correctly conjugated verb, and proofread for simple agreement errors.

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

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