Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-01

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 figure illustrates the movement and structure of the mechanical arm in comparison to an human arm.Overall the mechanical arm comprises of three motors and three rods along a gripper fixed on base which is often immovable, but it can move exceptionally.The three motors installed at different points assist in multiple movements such as one along the gripper with some sensors to grab or drop things.The second motor tend to serve as a elbow which provide flexibility and allows the arm to bend.Another motor which is specifically installed at the base which acts as shoulder of the arm and lowers/raises the arm.However a pivot is also attached beside the shoulder which allows to arm to rotate.The mechanical motors are controlled precisely by the computers by a significant set of instructions that are actually programmed to move the arm same as a human can do i.e rotations raise

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main components of the mechanical arm (motors, rods, gripper, and base), the description is somewhat superficial. You mention the functions of the motors but do not fully explore the comparative aspect of the prompt—how these mechanical parts specifically mirror human anatomy beyond a brief mention. The conclusion is abrupt and incomplete, leaving the summary unfinished. To improve, ensure you provide a more detailed analysis of the mechanical processes and ensure the response meets the length requirement to allow for full development of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay has a basic structure, but the flow is hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. While you use some transition words like 'Overall' and 'However', the progression between sentences feels mechanical rather than natural. Paragraphing is insufficient; the entire response is presented as a single block, which makes it difficult to follow the logical development of ideas. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'furthermore', 'consequently', 'in contrast') and ensure that each paragraph focuses on a distinct aspect of the diagram to enhance readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it lacks the precision and range required for higher bands. You rely on basic descriptors such as 'move' and 'installed'. There are also some issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'comprises of' (which should be 'comprises' or 'is composed of') and 'an human arm' (should be 'a human arm'). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more technical or precise terminology related to mechanical engineering and anatomy, and pay closer attention to standard collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempts at complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'The second motor tend to serve' (subject-verb agreement error: 'tends'), 'allows to arm to rotate' (incorrect verb pattern: 'allows the arm to rotate'), and 'controlled precisely by the computers by a significant set' (clunky phrasing). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas and periods. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and refining your use of complex sentence structures to ensure they are error-free.

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

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