Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-13

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 works and shows that it's joints function in the same way as those of human arm.

Overall, the arm consists of a base, several joints and a gripper, and it is operated by three motors that are controlled by a computer. The joints allow arm to reach and turn in different directions, much like human arm.

At the top of the system, a computer controls three motors with great precision, and these motors drive the movement of the arm. The arm itself attached to a base which is usually stationary but can occasionally be moved. Above the base , the shoulder raises and lowers the arm, while a pivot enables the arm to rotate.

Further along the arm , elbow allows movement and gives the arm flexibility , and the wrist allows gripper to flex and rotate. At the end of the arm, the gripper, which has built-in sensors control the force it applies. Alternatively, the gripper can be replaced by other end-effectors , which are used to spray paint , drill holes and weld metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response covers the main features of the diagram and gives a clear overview: it identifies the computer-controlled motors, the arm’s joints, and the gripper, while noting that the joints enable movement in ways comparable to a human arm. The descriptions of the shoulder, pivot, elbow, wrist, and gripper are generally accurate, and the alternative end-effectors are included. This breadth and relevant detail make the account effective. To make the description more fully developed, clarify how the three motors are linked to different parts of the arm, rather than saying only that they “drive the movement.” The comparison with a human arm is also stated but not illustrated with specific joint correspondences. Avoid implying that the whole arm reaches in different directions without explaining the roles of its joints.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The information is arranged in a clear sequence: an overview is followed by the base and upper joints, then the wrist, gripper, and alternative tools. Paragraphing supports this progression, and linking expressions such as “At the top,” “Above the base,” and “Further along” help orient the reader. The response therefore has a coherent overall structure. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the relationship between the computer, individual motors, and the arm’s components could be made more explicit to strengthen progression. The overview also repeats information that is then restated in the body. More precise referencing and a smoother connection between the control system and the physical arm would make cohesion more flexible and less dependent on location phrases.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary is adequate for describing the diagram, with relevant terms such as “pivot,” “flexibility,” “built-in sensors,” and “end-effectors.” The writer also uses useful functional verbs, including “raises,” “lowers,” “rotate,” and “applies.” Some phrasing is less precise or natural, however: “reach and turn in different directions” is broad, and “the arm itself attached to a base” lacks an appropriate verb form. Repetition of “arm” and “allows” also limits flexibility. Aim for more exact process-description language and natural collocations, such as describing joints as enabling movement or rotation and motors as actuating particular sections. This would improve precision while retaining the clear, task-relevant vocabulary already present.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex forms, including a relative clause in “the gripper, which has built-in sensors…” and a contrastive structure with “while.” Meaning remains clear, but some grammatical errors occur across the response. For example, “it's joints” should be “its joints,” and “those of human arm” needs an article. In “The arm itself attached to a base,” the main verb is missing; “the arm itself is attached” would be correct. There are also missing articles in phrases such as “allows arm to reach” and “elbow allows movement.” The clause “sensors control the force it applies” needs clearer agreement or restructuring, such as “sensors that control the force applied.” More consistent article use and complete verb structures would improve accuracy.

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