Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-17

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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates how a mechanical arm operates, showing the functions of its joints and comparing them with those of a human arm.

Overall, the mechanical arm is controlled by a computer and uses three motors to produce movement. Its main joints perform functions similar to the shoulder, elbow and wrist of a human arm, while the gripper acts as a hand.

At the base, the pivot allows the entire arm to rotate, while the shoulder joint enables the arm to be raised and lowered. Further along the arm, the elbow provides flexibility, allowing the arm to bend in a similar way to a human elbow. The wrist can rotate and move the end attachment into different positions. At the end of the arm is a gripper, which has built-in sensors that control the amount of force used when holding an object.

All three motors are precisely controlled by a computer. In addition to the gripper, different end-effectors can be attached for specific tasks, such as spray painting, drilling holes and welding metal. Thus, the machine reproduces many of the basic movements of a human arm while being adapted for industrial work.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of how the mechanical arm operates and comparing its joints to those of a human arm. The main features, such as the base, pivot, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and gripper, are accurately reported and supported by details from the diagram. Furthermore, the explanation of the computer-controlled motors and the alternative end-effectors like spray painting and drilling is well integrated into the overview. The response successfully captures the relationship between the mechanical components and their human-like functions without any major omissions or misinterpretations.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Information and ideas are logically sequenced throughout the response. The text is divided into appropriate paragraphs, starting with an introductory overview, moving systematically from the base of the arm up to the gripper, and concluding with a summary of the motors and end-effectors. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'further along the arm', 'in addition to', and 'thus' are used effectively to guide the reader through the mechanical process. Referencing is clear, and the overall progression of ideas is smooth and natural.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for this task type. Terms specific to the diagram, such as 'pivot', 'shoulder joint', 'flexibility', 'end-effectors', and 'sensors', are used correctly. There is a good attempt to incorporate less common phrasing ('reproduces many of the basic movements', 'adapted for industrial work'). Word choices and collocations are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors are absent, allowing for clear and precise communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a good variety of complex sentence structures used accurately. Examples include participial phrases ('showing the functions', 'allowing the arm to bend') and subordinate clauses ('which has built-in sensors', 'as spray painting'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication, reflecting a high level of grammatical control appropriate for Band 8.

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

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