Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-11-13

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 5.5)

The diagram depict the functionality of mechanical arm, how actually a mechanical arm works same as human arm. Mechanical arm is basically controlled by computer for better and flexible movement of arm.

Mechanical arm consist of three main motors with computer precision to control the different parts of mechanical arm for better maneuver.

First motor controlls the shoulder to raise and lower the arm, shoulder is mounted on the base of arm which is connected through pivot which help's arm to rotate ,and the base of arm is usually still or you can move it according to need. Elbow is connected to shoulder and it's controlled by second motor that allows movements and flexibility to arm. Main part of mechanical arm is grip which benefits the user most, Grip is controlled by third motor with built in sensor to control force , it generally allows wrist to grip or flexible rotation of wrist.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the computer control, three motors, base, pivot, shoulder, elbow and gripper, and include several functions shown in the diagram. However, the account is only partial: it does not explain the wrist’s role in allowing the gripper or another end-effector to flex or rotate, and it omits the alternative tools for spraying paint, drilling and welding. The comparison with a human arm is mentioned in the opening but not developed. Some relationships are also misreported: the diagram does not show the first motor controlling the shoulder or the third motor controlling the gripper; the motors connect to the elbow, arm section near the wrist, and gripper respectively. A clearer overview and more accurate coverage of the main features would strengthen the response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The information follows a broadly understandable order, moving from computer control to the base and then along the arm to the gripper. This gives the reader a basic sense of how the parts relate. However, the response is presented as two paragraphs without a clear overview or a well-signposted progression through the diagram. The long third sentence joins several separate points with commas, making the relationships harder to follow, while repeated references to “mechanical arm” and “arm” make the flow somewhat mechanical. Organise the response into a brief overview followed by a systematic description from the base upwards, and use clearer sentence boundaries and references such as “this joint” or “the end-effector.”

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “pivot,” “flexibility,” “precision,” and “built in sensor,” so the reader can recognise many of the components and functions. However, the range is limited and some word choices or collocations are inaccurate or unclear, such as “better maneuver,” “base of arm,” and “grip which benefits the user most.” “Grip” is also used where “gripper” would name the component more precisely. Spelling and word-form errors, including “controlls” and “movements,” are noticeable. Aim for precise technical terms and natural collocations, and check spelling and singular/plural forms. This would make the description clearer without requiring more elaborate vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts to combine ideas using relative clauses and conjunctions, for example, “which is connected through pivot” and “that allows movements and flexibility.” However, the range of sentence structures is limited, and these longer constructions are often faulty. There are repeated problems with articles and agreement, as in “The diagram depict” and “Mechanical arm consist,” as well as missing articles in phrases such as “through pivot.” The final sentence contains several clauses joined mainly by commas, with unclear grammatical links. Use complete, shorter sentences to describe each component, then practise accurate relative clauses. Check subject–verb agreement, articles and punctuation when editing.

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