Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-23

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 represents the process of how mechanical arm works and the joints that make up

the arm function in the same way as those in a human arm.

The computer controls the motors.The motors control the different movements of the robotic arm and the arm has a gripper,which can be replaced by different end-effectors.

At the top of the system,the computer has precision control of three motors which are responsible for the movements of robotic arm. The first motor controls the elbow, allowing it to move and provide flexibility, while the second motor operates the wrist, enabling the gripper or another end-effector to rotate. The third motor is connected to the gripper, which has built-in sensors that control the amount of force used to hold objects. The gripper can also be replaced with alternative end-effectors, such as a spray-painting device, a drill or a welding tool.

Moving from the base upwards, the robotic arm consists of a base, shoulder, pivot, elbow, wrist and gripper. The base supports the entire structure, while the shoulder allows the arm to move upwards and downwards. The pivot enables rotation, and the elbow provides further movement of the arm. At the end, the wrist controls the position of the gripper, which is used to hold and handle objects.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the visual diagram, detailing both the components of the mechanical arm and how the computer and motors function together. The response includes a clear overview of the system at the beginning and accurately reports main features, such as the computer's precision control, the functions of the three specific motors, and the structural components from the base upwards. The comparison to the human arm mentioned in the prompt is also incorporated into the opening sentence. The ideas are well-developed and grounded directly in the provided visual data without introducing irrelevant outside information. This performance satisfies the criteria for a strong task response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear overall progression and logical organisation. The response begins with an introductory overview, transitions into a detailed description of the motor controls, and concludes by moving from the base upwards through the physical structure of the arm. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different aspects of the diagram. Cohesive devices such as 'while', 'which', and 'moving from the base upwards' are employed effectively to link ideas. However, spacing punctuation is occasionally neglected (e.g., missing spaces after commas), which detracts slightly from the fluency of the cohesive flow, placing this criterion solidly in the Band 7 range.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary relevant to the technical nature of the task, incorporating appropriate terms such as 'end-effectors', 'precision control', 'built-in sensors', and 'alternative end-effectors'. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'operates the wrist' and 'supports the entire structure'. While there are a few minor lexical or phrasing choices that could be more polished, the vocabulary used is adequate to convey precise details about the mechanical diagram without impeding communication, representing a solid Band 6.5 or 7 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilising relative clauses ('which are responsible for', 'which can be replaced') and subordinate clauses effectively. There is good grammatical control across most of the text, and meaning is never obscured by errors. However, there are some mechanical and punctuation issues present, specifically a recurring lack of spaces after commas throughout the text (e.g., 'gripper,which', 'system,the'). Despite these minor technical punctuation slips, the majority of sentences are grammatically accurate and exhibit a good range of structures.

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

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