Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates how a mechanical arm functions, and how the joints that make up the arm work similarly to those in a human arm.

Overall, it has a base, shoulder, pivot and a gripper representing a human shoulder, elbow and palm. They are controlled by motors which are connected to a computer.

The base is usually stationary or occasionally movable, and is attached to the shoulder which raises or lowers the mechanical arm. It acts like a human shoulder which is articulated to the shoulder bones. The pivot enables the arm to rotate just like the ball and socket joint in a human arm. 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. It connects the gripper and the elbow. The gripper has build-in sensors that control force just like a palm.

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 spray paint, drilling holes and the welding metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the mechanical arm and makes relevant comparisons to the human arm. You have covered the key components (base, shoulder, pivot, elbow, wrist, gripper) and their functions. However, the description of the motors and the end-effectors is slightly disjointed. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the mechanical components and their human counterparts is consistently highlighted throughout the text. The overview is clear, but the final paragraph feels like a list of additional details rather than an integrated part of the analysis. Overall, the response addresses all parts of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, moving from the general structure to specific components and then to control mechanisms. Paragraphing is used, though the final paragraph is quite short and could have been better integrated into the main body. You use some cohesive devices like 'just like' and 'in addition', but the flow between sentences could be smoother. Some transitions feel slightly mechanical, such as the start of the third paragraph. To improve, try to use a wider variety of linking words to connect the mechanical functions more fluidly to the human analogies.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms like 'articulated', 'end-effector', and 'precision' correctly. There are some minor issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'build-in sensors' (should be 'built-in') and 'welding metal' (should be 'welding metals' or 'metal welding'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band. Incorporating more precise verbs and descriptive adjectives would enhance the quality of your technical description.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. Most sentences are clear, but there are some grammatical slips, such as 'There are three motors. One is connected to the shoulder, elbow and the gripper' (which is logically confusing as it implies one motor for three parts). Additionally, 'welding metal' is grammatically awkward in the context of a list of end-effectors. While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching the higher bands where error-free complex structures are more frequent.

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

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