Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-05

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 above diagram show us a arm that has three motors in it, therefore it is a 3DOF arm or a arm with 3 degree of freedom.

The motors are used to replicate the motion of the human joints. From the above diagram it appears that the arm has a shoulder, elbow and a wrist or gripper which is quite accurate when compared with a actual human arm.

Usually in the industries the arm are usually couples with a gearbox to reduce the load on the motor. The gearbox helps in increasing the force output of the motor. To help perform with the complex motion of a human arm motors have electronic parts on them that are programmed to control the total range of motion and force output of motor. Using this enginners are able to precisely control the system.

The arm has a option to customise the end effector of the arm. A gripper, spray paint, drill bit and a weld machine can be used on it which all tasks either require lots of human labour, has safety hazards or just tedious which will consume lots

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the main features of the diagram, identifying the 3DOF structure and the comparison between human joints and mechanical components. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. While you mention the gearbox and end effectors, you do not fully explain the mechanical relationship or the 'how' of the arm's operation as requested by the prompt. The final sentence is incomplete, which leaves the task partially unfinished. To reach a higher band, ensure all points are fully developed and that the summary is complete. Focus on describing the visual information provided rather than introducing external knowledge about industrial applications not explicitly shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by some awkward transitions. For instance, the jump from describing the arm's joints to discussing industrial gearboxes feels abrupt. Cohesive devices are used, but they are sometimes mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'the arm' or 'the motor' at the start of sentences. Paragraphing is present, but the final paragraph is incomplete, which disrupts the overall structure. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus that connects logically to the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'replicate', 'gearbox', and 'end effector'. However, there are several word-choice errors and inaccuracies, such as 'a arm' (should be 'an arm'), 'in the industries' (should be 'in industry'), and 'a actual' (should be 'an actual'). Additionally, the phrasing 'has a option' is grammatically incorrect. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, the lack of precision and the recurring errors in articles and collocations prevent a higher score. Expanding your range of precise technical descriptors would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there is a high frequency of grammatical errors. Common issues include article misuse ('a arm', 'a actual'), subject-verb agreement errors ('the arm are usually couples'), and incomplete sentence construction in the final paragraph. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors require the reader to make an effort to interpret the intended message. To improve, focus on basic grammatical accuracy, particularly with articles and verb forms, before attempting more complex sentence structures. Proofreading for these fundamental errors is essential.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.