Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-16

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 given diagram illustrates mechanical arm features and how their joints are functioning as similar to human arm.

Overall, arm is a combination of the motors and metal pipes. And the motors are operated by computer. Top of the arm is showed a gripper or multipurpose tool worker.

Firstly, if we take a look at the base of the arm, it's mostly non-movable but it can be moved 360 degree itself. there is pivot attached at the base which enables the arm to be rotated. the first motor attached at the base it self for which help arm to move upward and downward. followed by second motor which called elbow it gives arm flexibility and free movements. the extendenders have attached followed by it and the wrist as human arm attached next to extender. The gripper is attached with the last motor, for different purposes such as grabbing things. Lastly these whole machinery is operated by computer which is operate preciously the motors.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the mechanical arm, including the base, motors, and gripper. However, the comparison to the human arm is mentioned in the introduction but not effectively integrated or developed throughout the body paragraphs. The description of the components is somewhat disjointed, and the explanation of how the joints function is limited. To reach a higher band, you should ensure that the comparison between the mechanical and human components is explicit and consistent throughout the report, rather than just stating it as a general premise at the beginning.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into three short paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. While you use some cohesive devices like 'Firstly' and 'Lastly', the transitions between sentences are often abrupt, and the use of referencing is occasionally unclear (e.g., 'followed by it'). The paragraphing is acceptable, but the internal flow of information could be improved by using more sophisticated linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus. The current structure feels a bit like a list of parts rather than a cohesive summary.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic terms like 'pipes', 'things', and 'worker'. While you attempt some technical vocabulary such as 'pivot' and 'multipurpose', there are errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'operate preciously' (likely meaning 'precisely') and 'extendenders'. To improve, focus on using more precise technical terminology related to mechanical systems and ensure that your word choices are accurate in context. Avoid vague language like 'things' when describing the function of the gripper.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There is a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but the accuracy is inconsistent. There are frequent errors in articles ('the motors', 'the first motor'), subject-verb agreement ('Top of the arm is showed'), and word order. For example, 'the first motor attached at the base it self for which help arm to move' is grammatically incorrect and hinders readability. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and punctuation prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence construction and proofreading for basic errors would be highly beneficial.

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

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