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 some function of different parts of this arm.

Overall, this diagram provides detailed information about the working model of a mechanical arm and its components function. However, the arm looks like a human hand but the mechanical portion makes it distinct.

Looking first at the base, which usually provides stationary support to move the arm more precisely. Then, the 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 a computer . The pivot enables the arm to rotate from the axes.

Turning to the next component, the gripper which works like human fingers to hold anything, also it has built-in sensors controlled by the second motor. Subsequently, the wrist provides gripper with flexibility and motion to rotate. The last part of this mechanism is the elbow, which allows better movement from the joint portion and is controlled by the third motor.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the mechanical arm, identifying the base, shoulder, pivot, gripper, wrist, and elbow. However, the task specifically asks for a comparison between the mechanical arm and the human arm, which is largely missing from your analysis. You mention the gripper works like human fingers, but you do not elaborate on how the other joints function in the same way as human joints, which was a key part of the prompt. The overview is somewhat generic and does not effectively highlight the core mechanical-to-human comparison required by the task instructions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into logical paragraphs, with a clear introduction and body paragraphs focusing on different 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 is slightly abrupt. The second paragraph contains a sentence that feels disconnected from the rest of the description. Overall, the progression is clear, but the use of cohesive devices could be more varied and sophisticated to improve the flow between sentences.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using technical terms like 'pivot', 'gripper', 'sensors', and 'stationary support'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'gives comfortable motion' (which is not a standard collocation for mechanical parts) and 'the mechanical portion makes it distinct'. The vocabulary is generally functional but lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher bands. To improve, focus on using more precise verbs and descriptive adjectives that accurately reflect mechanical operations rather than general terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'provides information about some function of different parts' (should be 'the functions'), 'the gripper which works like human fingers to hold anything, also it has' (a run-on/comma splice error), and 'provides gripper with flexibility' (missing article 'the'). While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the description, they occur frequently enough to impact the overall fluency. Increasing your control over articles and sentence punctuation would significantly improve your score.

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

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