Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-25
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 functionality of a robotic arm that is controlled by humans through the help of computer based skills.
This machine have similarity with humans arm having claw,elbow and pivot like shoulder joint attached with base.
It's operated by computer through 3 motors that help different parts of machine to work individually as the need of that part.Motor 1 help the base point of machine to move the lower part, along with motor 2 help out in the functionality of middle part known as elbow which makes that part to move freely according to the need.Third motor have installed sensors that help machine to grab things or functions that are to be performed with the help of machine.
If this machine is out of order there are shown alternatives used commonly.
In conclusion this machine have been inspired by anatomy of humans arm which makes it extraordinary in completing the task.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the robotic arm's components and their human-like functions. However, the description is somewhat superficial. For example, the explanation of the motors is repetitive and lacks precision regarding the mechanical relationships shown in the diagram. The summary of the 'alternatives' is vague, as the text does not clearly explain what these are or how they relate to the arm's operation. To reach a higher band, you should provide a more detailed and analytical breakdown of the mechanical processes rather than a general description of the arm's purpose.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into a brief introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion. While there is a logical flow, the transitions between sentences are often mechanical or missing. For instance, the jump from describing the motors to mentioning 'alternatives' is abrupt and lacks a cohesive link. The use of cohesive devices is limited, and the paragraphing is underdeveloped, as the entire description is squeezed into one paragraph. Improving the use of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'consequently', 'in contrast') would help the reader follow the technical explanation more easily.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a technical description. Phrases like 'computer based skills' and 'out of order' are slightly unnatural in this context. There is some repetition of basic words such as 'machine' and 'part'. To improve, you should incorporate more specific technical terminology related to mechanical engineering or anatomy, such as 'articulated', 'actuators', 'mimics', or 'biomechanical'. The range is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, but it does not demonstrate the flexibility needed for a higher score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, particularly with subject-verb agreement and article usage. Examples include 'This machine have similarity' (should be 'has a similarity'), 'humans arm' (should be 'human arm'), and 'Motor 1 help' (should be 'helps'). Additionally, sentence structures are mostly simple or contain minor errors in clause construction. While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar prevent the text from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for singular/plural agreement and correct verb forms would significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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