Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-19

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 depicts the information of how mechanical arm and the joints that make up the arm function in the same way as those in human arm.

Overall, mechanical arm has three joints with the attached motors on each joint. All the motors are operated with the computer. Finally, it is used to accomplish various task.

There is the base with the computer operated motor and the rounded long rod is mounted from there to be joined to another rod at the joint. At the end point of the second rod there is another joint and there is the grip which is joined by the last motor.

At the base of the arm there is shoulder, that is for raising lowering the arms and the base is occasionally movable. Pivot at the base enables arm to rotate. Second joint in arm is called elbow that provides flexibility to move the arm too. Wrist in arm allows gripper to rotate. and the Gripper in the shape of crab claws control force. Ultimately, the mechanical arm function like the human arm. as they are used to complete the various jobs such as pai

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the mechanical arm, identifying the joints and their functions. However, the description is somewhat disjointed and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the comparison to human anatomy is mentioned, the explanation of how the mechanical components correspond to human joints is slightly superficial. The response ends abruptly with an incomplete sentence ('such as pai'), which significantly impacts the overall task completion. To improve, ensure that all descriptions are fully developed and that the summary provides a cohesive synthesis of the diagram's information rather than just listing parts.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, but the logical flow between them is weak. The transition from the physical description of the arm to the functional comparison is abrupt. Cohesive devices are used, but they are often mechanical or repetitive (e.g., 'At the base', 'Second joint', 'Wrist in arm'). Referencing is sometimes unclear, and the lack of a proper concluding sentence due to the incomplete ending disrupts the overall coherence of the piece. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring a smooth progression of ideas would help elevate the score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. Basic terms like 'rod', 'motor', and 'joint' are used correctly, but there is a lack of more sophisticated terminology related to mechanical engineering or anatomical comparisons. There are also some awkward collocations and phrasing, such as 'computer operated motor' and 'accomplish various task'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise technical vocabulary and ensure correct word forms, such as using plural nouns where appropriate (e.g., 'various tasks').

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include missing articles ('the mechanical arm', 'the human arm'), incorrect preposition usage, and subject-verb agreement errors (e.g., 'mechanical arm function like the human arm'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences ending abruptly or missing necessary commas. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these errors indicates a need for more careful proofreading and a better grasp of basic English syntax.

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

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