Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-22
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 how a mechanical arm works and shows how joints function similarly to those of a human arm.
It is explicitly observed that a mechanical arm is operated by 3 main motors and controlled by a computer . With each joints it performs a particular movement.
The arm can also be replaced by other end - effectors .
The foremost feature is computer controller which controls the motors. The three motors play individual role for its performance. Firstly, The system is set on the stabled and steady bas.
To begin with, the left motor performs the operation of shoulder which works for raising and lowering the arm associated with pivot which basically allows rotation for shoulder . The motor in the center has the similar functionality as human elbow , it is known as elbow, this joint provides flexibility to arm movement. The last motor is used for gripping . It has default sensors which handles the force . Lastly the gripper is connected with a rod , called wrist , which particularly allows gripper to rotate , also it can be replaced by alternative end-effectors .
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the mechanical arm, identifying the three motors and their functions relative to human anatomy. However, the description is somewhat disjointed and lacks a clear overview or summary of the process as a whole. While the comparison to human joints is mentioned, the explanation of how the computer controller integrates these parts is underdeveloped. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the components is explained more cohesively, rather than listing them as separate features. The inclusion of the 'end-effector' concept is a positive detail, but the overall structure of the summary could be more analytical.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the description. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward, such as the repetitive use of 'The motor' or 'The last motor'. The transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs is abrupt. While there is a logical progression from the base to the gripper, the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and better referencing to avoid repetitive sentence structures. Paragraphing is present but could be more effectively used to separate the general overview from the specific technical details.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with technical terms like 'end-effectors', 'pivot', and 'sensors' used correctly. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'stabled and steady bas' (should be 'stable and steady base') and 'individual role for its performance'. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. Spelling errors, such as 'bas' instead of 'base', and minor grammatical slips in word forms slightly detract from the overall quality of the lexical expression.
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 'With each joints it performs' (should be 'With each joint, it performs') and 'The foremost feature is computer controller' (missing an article). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before periods and commas. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent the response from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring punctuation follows standard conventions.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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