Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-11-08

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 5.5)

The diagram illustrates how a mechanical arm operates.Its joints function similarly to those in a human arm.

The mechanical arm is controlled by a computer.It consists of three motors.It has several movable joints.Also different tools can be attached to its end.

Computer control the motor percisely. Three motors provide movement to the arm. Elbow allows bending and provide flexibility. Pivot enables rotational movement. Wrist allows the gripper to flex and rotate. Gripper holds objects. It built-in sensors control the gripping force. The gripper can be replaced with different tools. These tools are used for spray painting, drilling holes, welding metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the diagram’s main subject and report several relevant features, including the computer’s control of the motors, the elbow’s flexibility, the pivot’s rotation, and the alternative tools. However, the response only partially covers the diagram: it omits the base and shoulder functions, and the overview that the joints work like those in a human arm is not developed into a comparison. The description is also very brief and leaves the relationships between the computer, motors, joints, and arm components unclear. The response is 100 words, below the required 150, which limits how fully you can select and explain the main features. To improve, add a fuller overview and describe the arm’s structure and functions in a clear sequence.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The information is generally relevant and follows a basic order, moving from the computer and motors to the joints and end tools. The opening also gives the reader a clear topic. However, the response reads mainly as a series of short, separate statements, with little linking or explanation of how the parts relate. For example, “It has several movable joints” is followed by “Also different tools can be attached to its end,” but the connection between these points is not developed. The paragraphing and progression are limited, and the abrupt shift to “Computer control the motor” repeats information from the opening. Group related features and use a few clear transitions to guide the reader through the diagram.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant technical vocabulary such as “motors,” “pivot,” “gripper,” “flexibility,” and “welding,” which helps communicate the diagram’s subject. The range is nevertheless limited, with repeated general terms such as “arm” and “tools,” and some wording is imprecise or awkward. For instance, “provide movement to the arm” is vague, while “holds objects” does not capture the diagram’s more specific point about controlling gripping force. There is also a spelling error in “perc isely” (written as “percisely” in the response). Aim for more precise descriptions of function and vary the verbs used to explain movement and control. Check spelling carefully, especially for key technical terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

Most of the response uses simple sentence patterns, and the main ideas are usually understandable. However, grammatical errors occur frequently enough to make some sentences awkward. In “Computer control the motor percisely,” the subject–verb agreement is incorrect; “It built-in sensors control the gripping force” is missing a verb; and “Elbow allows bending and provide flexibility” has inconsistent agreement. Several sentences also run together without spaces after full stops, as in “operates.Its” and “computer.It.” The response shows little variety in sentence structure, so practise combining related points with accurate clauses, for example, explaining what each joint allows while maintaining correct subject–verb agreement and punctuation.

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

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