Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-26
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 images depict how a mechanical arm works, and how the joints that form the arm perform in the same manner as those in a human arm.
Overall, these are two different diagram of a particular process which happen to be a linear one. They represent a mechanical and a natural process with the first having multiple stages than the second image.
In the mechanical arm work function, the computer controls three motors. The second motor has connection with the elbow while the third is connected to the grip. Unlike these two, the first motor forms the shoulder of the machine and is placed on a base which enables it's movement.
On the contrary, the second diagram which is the human arm has no descriptive stages. However, it notably performs three distinct roles. It's functions include paint spraying, hole drilling and metal welding.
Moreover, it is quite obvious that the mechanical arm is less portable compared to the human and would require a lot of energy to operate.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to address the task but fails to accurately interpret the provided diagram. You have incorrectly attributed the functions of 'paint spraying, hole drilling and metal welding' to the human arm, whereas these are clearly industrial applications of the mechanical arm. Furthermore, the description of the mechanical arm's components is somewhat confused, and the comparison between the two is superficial. To improve, ensure you carefully observe the visual data before writing; the prompt asks you to compare the mechanical arm's joints to the human arm's joints, not to invent functions for the human arm that are not supported by the image.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the logical progression is hindered by the factual inaccuracies mentioned above. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In the mechanical arm work function', 'On the contrary', and 'Moreover' are used to link ideas, but some of these transitions feel mechanical or are used to connect points that do not logically follow one another. Paragraphing is present, but the content within the paragraphs lacks the necessary focus to clearly explain the mechanical process described in the diagram.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The range of vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks precision. You use some relevant terms like 'mechanical', 'linear', and 'components', but there are instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'the second motor has connection with the elbow'. Additionally, the word choice in the final paragraph regarding 'portability' and 'energy' is speculative and not based on the provided diagram. To achieve a higher band, focus on using more precise technical vocabulary related to the diagram's labels and avoid making assumptions that are not present in the visual information.
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 'these are two different diagram' (should be 'diagrams'), 'the first having multiple stages than the second' (should be 'more stages than'), and 'it's functions' (should be 'its functions'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to suggest a lack of control over complex structures. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of possessive pronouns will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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