Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-18

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 operates and describes the functions of its and main joints. Overall, the arm is operated by computers controlled motors, while a series of joints allow it to move, rotate and handle different end effectors. The process begins with a computer, which provides precise control of the motors. These motors are responsible for controlling the movement of the mechanical arm. The shoulder joint raises and lowers the arm. Below the shoulder, a pivot enables the arm to rotate. Further along the arm, the elbow joint allows movement and provides flexibility. The arm then extends to a wrist joint, which allows the gripper or another end-effector to flex and rotate. At the end of the arm, there is a gripper equipped with build-in sensors that control the griping force. The gripper can be replaced with different end-effectors depending on the task required. These include tools for spray painting, drilling holes and welding metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by reporting the main features of how the mechanical arm operates and describing the functions of its joints. The overview clearly highlights that the arm is controlled by computers and utilizes a series of joints for movement. Key details, such as the functions of the shoulder, pivot, elbow, wrist, and gripper, are accurately reported based on the diagram. Furthermore, the response notes the alternative end-effectors like spray painting, drilling, and welding. Ideas are well supported by the visual data, achieving a strong Band 7.5 level of performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The text presents a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The response starts with a general introduction and overview, moves systematically from the computer and motor controls down through the base, pivot, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, and concludes with the gripper and alternative end-effectors. Cohesive devices such as 'The process begins with', 'Further along the arm', and 'At the end of the arm' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the mechanism. Paragraphing is the only minor limitation, as the entire text is presented in a single block rather than being divided into an introduction and body paragraphs, which prevents a higher score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task describing a process or mechanism. Words and phrases such as 'operates', 'flexibility', 'precision control', and 'end-effector' show a good grasp of topic-specific terminology. However, there are a few minor lexical inaccuracies and typos, such as 'computers controlled motors' instead of 'computer-controlled motors' and 'build-in' instead of 'built-in', as well as 'griping force' instead of 'gripping force'. Despite these occasional slips, the vocabulary is sufficient for clear communication, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a reasonable control of grammatical structures. Sentences like 'The process begins with a computer, which provides precise control of the motors' and 'These include tools for spray painting, drilling holes and welding metal' are accurate and well-constructed. Grammatical errors are relatively infrequent, though minor mechanical slips occur, such as the missing hyphen in 'computers controlled motors' and the misspelling 'build-in'. Overall, the majority of sentences are grammatically sound and do not impede communication, matching the Band 7 descriptor.

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