Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-29

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)

This picture illustrates the resemblance of mechanical arm and human arm, depicting the similarity of the function of joints in arms of both.

Mechanical product is controlled by computer for motion precision. It has three motors, each for different parts/joints to regulate its functions. Firstly, one motor is present at the shoulder of the machine, which helps to move lower arm of the machine. Shoulder is attached to the base of the machine, which is mostly fixed but sometimes moveable. Pivot attached to the shoulder enables arm to rotate.

Second motor is attached to the elbow of the arm, which enables movement and provides flexibility to the machine. Third motor gives power to the gripper, which is a sensor built in to control force. Wrist attached to the gripper allows it to rotate, flex and move freely.

The different end products of this mechanical arm are spray paint machine, which helps in painting different things, drill machine, which drills holes in walls and other things and welding machine to weld metals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the mechanical arm, including the motors, joints, and end-product applications. However, the task specifically asks for a comparison between the mechanical arm and the human arm. While the introduction mentions a 'resemblance', the body paragraphs fail to explicitly link the mechanical components (shoulder, elbow, wrist) to their human counterparts. This is a significant omission in terms of the prompt's requirements. The description of the end products is relevant, but the overall development lacks the comparative analysis necessary for a higher band score. To improve, ensure that every mechanical feature described is directly contrasted with the human biological equivalent as requested by the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, with each focusing on a specific aspect of the mechanical arm. The use of sequencing words like 'Firstly', 'Second', and 'Third' helps the reader follow the description. However, the transition between the mechanical description and the list of end products is abrupt. The cohesion is somewhat mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'Mechanical product is controlled', which lacks a definite article. While the paragraphing is appropriate, the flow between ideas could be smoother through the use of more sophisticated cohesive devices rather than simple list-like transitions.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the student to describe the technical components of the arm. There are some attempts at topic-specific vocabulary, such as 'motion precision', 'gripper', and 'sensor'. However, there are instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'Mechanical product is controlled' (should be 'The mechanical arm') and 'different end products of this mechanical arm are spray paint machine'. These errors do not impede communication, but they limit the range and precision of the language. To reach a higher band, focus on more natural collocations and ensure articles are used correctly with technical nouns.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly regarding article usage (e.g., 'resemblance of mechanical arm', 'shoulder is attached to the base of the machine'). Some sentences are slightly fragmented or lack necessary determiners, which affects the overall fluency. While the meaning is generally clear, the frequency of these minor errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the consistent use of articles when referring to specific mechanical parts.

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

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