Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-31

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 6.0)

The given picture illustrates the functions of the joints of a mechanical arm same as a human arm.

Firstly, the main joints of whole mechanism are connected with three different motors which are controlled by a single computer. The arm stands on a base that might be occassionally movable and supporting the shoulder that allows the arm to raise or to be lower with a connection with the first motor. There is a pivot which rotates the arm attached to the shoulder. The second motor connects to the elbow which allows the movement of the arm and makes it flexible. The last motor is attached to a gripper which is supported by wrist that allows it to flex or rotate. These arms might be used to hold spray paints and drills and also to weld metals just like a human arm.

Overall, it can be considered that the mechanism of a mechanical arm is quite similar to a human arm.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main components and explain several functions, including the computer’s control of the motors, the pivot’s rotation, and the elbow’s flexibility. You also mention the base and the alternative uses shown in the diagram. However, some relationships are misreported: the first motor is linked to the elbow, the second to the arm section near the wrist, and the third to the gripper; your account instead links the first motor to the shoulder and the second to the elbow. The gripper’s built-in force sensors are omitted, and the alternatives are described as things the arm holds rather than end-effectors that can be fitted. The overview mainly asserts similarity to a human arm, so a clearer summary of the system’s key features would make the report more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is arranged in a generally understandable order: it introduces the diagram, describes the base and joints, and ends with an overall statement. The sequence of components and the use of “Firstly” and “Overall” help the reader follow the account. However, most details are compressed into one long paragraph, and the order of the motor connections makes the description harder to track. Some references are also unclear, particularly “These arms,” which could refer to the mechanical arm or its joints. Grouping the control system and the arm’s physical parts into separate stages, then giving a distinct overview, would create clearer progression. Cohesive links are present, but they are somewhat mechanical and do not always clarify relationships.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of relevant terms, including “mechanism,” “pivot,” “gripper,” “flexible,” and “rotate,” which allows you to describe the diagram’s main parts. Some vocabulary choices are imprecise or awkward for this technical description: “hold spray paints and drills” does not accurately convey that these are alternative end-effectors, and “the main joints of whole mechanism” is not a natural collocation. There is also a spelling error in “occassionally.” More precise terms such as “attachments” or “tools” would help distinguish the arm’s components from its possible functions. Overall, the meaning remains clear, but greater accuracy in word choice and collocation would make the description more fluent and precise.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use both simple and more developed sentence forms, including relative clauses such as “which allows the movement of the arm” and “that allows it to flex or rotate.” The main ideas are generally understandable, and grammatical errors rarely prevent communication. Some sentence patterns are awkward or incomplete, however. For example, “the functions of the joints of a mechanical arm same as a human arm” is missing a verb, while “supporting the shoulder that allows the arm to raise or to be lower” has an unclear structure and an incorrect passive form. In “the main joints of whole mechanism,” an article is also needed. Aim to build clearer sentences around each component and check verb forms, articles, and clause connections.

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

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