Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-30
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 demonstrates how a mechanical arm works as well as provides information about function of different parts of this arm.
Overall, this diagram provides detailed information about working model of a mechanical arm and its componets function. However, the arm is completely looks like humans' hand but the mechanical portion make it differ.
Looking first at the base, which is usually provides stationary support to move the arm more precisely. Then shoulder part connects the arm with the base and gives comfortable motion to the upper and lower side by using the first motor controlled by computer . Pivot enables arm to rotate from the axes.
Turning to the next component, gripper which work like human fingers to hold anything, also it has buit-in sensors controlled by another motor. Subsequently, wrist provide gripper with flexibility and motion to rotate. The last part of this mechanism is elbow, which allows better movement from the joint portion and controlled by the third motor.
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
You have successfully identified the main components of the mechanical arm and their functions. However, the response lacks a clear comparison between the mechanical arm and the human arm, which was a key requirement of the prompt. While you mention that the gripper works like human fingers, you do not explicitly detail how the joints (shoulder, elbow, wrist) function in the same way as human joints. To improve, ensure you explicitly link the mechanical parts to their biological counterparts as requested. The overview is present but could be more analytical regarding the overall mechanism rather than just stating it provides information.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the description of the components. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Looking first at', 'Turning to', and 'Subsequently' to guide the reader through the diagram. However, the transition between the introduction and the body paragraphs is slightly abrupt. Additionally, some referencing is unclear, such as 'the mechanical portion make it differ', which lacks a specific antecedent. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence would enhance the flow and logical progression of your report.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for this task, using technical terms like 'stationary support', 'pivot', and 'built-in sensors'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and minor errors, such as 'the arm is completely looks like' (should be 'resembles') and 'make it differ' (should be 'makes it different'). There are also some spelling errors, such as 'componets' and 'buit-in'. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise collocations and ensure accurate spelling of technical terms. Expanding your vocabulary to include more descriptive verbs would also be beneficial.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. For example, 'which is usually provides' contains an unnecessary auxiliary verb, and 'the mechanical portion make it differ' lacks subject-verb agreement. There are also issues with article usage, such as 'shoulder part connects' (should be 'the shoulder part'). While the meaning is generally clear, these persistent errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevent the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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