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 diagram shows the comparison between human and machine process of mechanical arm works and how to joints that arm function in same way as those in human arm.

Overall, the mechanical arm controlled by computers, which operates by three motors. These motors control the shoulder, elbow and wrist, while the gripper at the end can be used for different task. The arm can also rotate and move up and down.

At the bottom, there is a base which is usually stationary, although it can sometimes be moved. Above the base, the shoulder joint allows the arm to be raised and lowered. A pivot is also included, which enables provides movements and flexibility, simillar to a human elbow.

Further along the arm, the wrist allows the gripper or another end-effector to rotate. The gripper ha built-in sensor that control the amount of force used when holding an object.

All of these movements are controlled precisely by a computer through the three motors. Therefore, the mechanical arm can perform a range of tasks in a sim

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the mechanical arm, including the base, shoulder, elbow, and wrist functions. However, the comparison to the human arm is mentioned in the introduction but not sufficiently developed in the body paragraphs. The description of the 'gripper' and 'sensors' is relevant, but the response ends abruptly with an incomplete sentence ('in a sim'), which leaves the conclusion unfinished. To achieve a higher band, ensure all parts of the prompt are fully addressed and that the response is complete, avoiding trailing off at the end.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the description of the arm's components. There is a logical progression from the base upwards to the gripper. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat basic and occasionally mechanical. The abrupt ending of the final sentence significantly disrupts the flow and coherence of the conclusion. Improving the use of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'consequently', 'in contrast') would help create a smoother transition between the mechanical parts and their human-like functions.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using technical terms like 'end-effector', 'stationary', and 'pivot'. However, there are several spelling errors, such as 'simillar' and 'ha' (instead of 'has'). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on simple descriptors. To improve, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to mechanical processes and ensure accurate spelling of key terms. The incomplete final sentence also limits the demonstration of a wider lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'how to joints that arm function' (should be 'how the joints of the arm function') and 'enables provides movements' (a redundant verb structure). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the incomplete final sentence is a major error that affects the overall accuracy. While the meaning is usually clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on subject-verb agreement and proofreading for sentence completion.

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

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