Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-12

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 the working of a mechinal arm by explaining the positions of all three motors that are implanted inside it. It has given the list of prominent actions that can be performed by using mechanical arm.

As already mentioned, the mechanical arm has three motors, each working for a separate cause. These motors are being controlled by computer precision. One of the motors is at the base of the arm which have the pivot and the shoulder to rotate and raise the arm. The second motor is placed at the elbow section to make it move flexibly. The elbow section is extended by a mechanical wrist ending at a gripper which acts exactly like a human hand. The third motor is for that gripper to grip. The mechanical arm is depicted to be used for spraying, drilling holes and welding the metals.

All in all, mechanical arm is very close to human arms to work efficiently for those who need it.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the three motors and their functions, as well as the applications of the mechanical arm. However, the comparison to the human arm is mentioned only briefly in the introduction and conclusion rather than being integrated into the body paragraphs. The description of the mechanical components is somewhat simplistic, and the explanation of how the joints function 'in the same way' as a human arm is not fully developed. To reach a higher band, you should provide a more detailed analysis of the specific mechanical parallels (e.g., comparing the motor-driven joints to human muscles or skeletal pivots) rather than just listing the parts.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into three paragraphs, which is appropriate for a short report. There is a logical progression from the introduction of the arm to the specific motor functions and finally the applications. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'One of the motors', 'The second motor', 'The third motor'). The transition between the description of the arm's mechanics and its applications is abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that ideas flow more naturally between sentences would enhance the overall coherence of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision and variety. There are some spelling errors, such as 'mechinal' instead of 'mechanical'. You rely on basic verbs like 'working', 'placed', and 'used'. To improve, you should incorporate more precise technical terminology related to mechanical engineering or anatomical comparisons. For instance, instead of saying 'working for a separate cause', you could use 'serve distinct mechanical functions'. The range is sufficient to convey the main points, but it does not demonstrate the flexibility or sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'which have the pivot' (should be 'has') and 'mechanical arm is very close' (missing an article: 'the mechanical arm'). The sentence 'It has given the list of prominent actions' is slightly awkward in this context. While the meaning is generally clear and the errors do not impede communication, the control over complex structures is inconsistent. Increasing the frequency of error-free sentences and refining subject-verb agreement will help improve your score in this criterion.

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

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