Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-30

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 the basic functioning of a mechanical arm made out of several components which assist the movement of the arm in a way that it acts like an actual human arm.

Overall, the arm have six major components which facilitates its use and movement and there are other alternative end effectors available according to the task to be performed.

The arm is fixed on a base which is stationary but can be moved occasionally. The shoulder raises or lowers the arm which increases or decreases the length of the machine accordingly whereas the pivot enables it to rotate. The arm has three motors attached at the three joints: pivot, elbow and at the end of wrist, which helps in controllig the whole arm.

The elbow makes the whole assembled mechanism more like a human arm and allows movement and flexibility to the whole machine which is then followed by a wrist which facilitates the end-effector to rotate or move freely. A variety of end-effectors are present that can be used, such as gripper with built in sensors to control force, spray paint, driller to drill holes and a weilder.Additionally, the computer precisely controls the arm and its movements.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all main features of the mechanical arm diagram. The student provides a clear introduction outlining the overall function and structure of the arm, followed by specific details regarding the base, pivot, shoulder, motors, and joints such as the elbow and wrist. The overview mentions that the arm consists of six major components and that alternative end-effectors are available. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in mapping the motor locations based on the visual data, such as placing motors at the pivot, elbow, and wrist rather than reflecting the computer's central control over the three motor units depicted. Despite this minor misreading, the overall reporting of information and comparisons is well-executed, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7 response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear overall progression and logical organization. The introduction sets the context, the body paragraphs logically describe the structural components from base to end-effectors, and a concluding remark highlights the computer control. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'Overall,' 'whereas,' and 'which is then followed by.' However, paragraphing could be improved; the text is condensed into a few dense paragraphs where separating the base/shoulder mechanics from the joints and end-effectors would enhance visual and logical clarity. Referencing is generally clear, earning a solid Band 6.5 to 7 score range, comfortably fitting Band 7 descriptors for logical organization.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, incorporating terms such as 'components,' 'mechanised,' 'flexibility,' and 'end-effectors.' There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though some minor word choice and collocation errors occur, such as writing 'the arm have six major components' (subject-verb agreement/lexical control slip) and 'controllig' (spelling). Words like 'driller' and 'weilder' are slightly non-standard compared to 'drill' and 'welder' or 'welding equipment.' Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information clearly, representing a solid Band 6 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating relative clauses ('which assists the movement,' 'that can be used') and subordinate conjunctions ('whereas the pivot enables it'). There are several grammatical errors and typos throughout the text, including 'the arm have' instead of 'has,' 'controllig' for 'controlling,' and a lack of articles in places. Punctuation is generally acceptable, and while these errors do not impede overall communication, they prevent the essay from achieving a higher band. The presence of frequent minor errors places this firmly in the Band 6 category.

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