Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-04

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 illustrates the working of a robortic arm which function just like human arm.

Overall, A computer which is the main brain which specifically control three motors which help to rotate each joint. A base, pivot, shoulder, elbow and gripper are the main components. Base keeps the arm stable while gripper is the ending point controlled through sensors.

At the top, a computer which helps to adjust the percision of three motors which attached to shoulder, elbow and gripper base. On the other hand, actual arm has a stable base with a adjusting pivot. Shoulder is the joint which attached to the base and rise or lower the arm. Just like human elbow the robortic arm elbow also attach the shoudler and gripper; which is the ending point apply force to lift things.

There can be also other end points than the gripper it can be a spray paint, drill holes or a wel metal. Ending effectors can be rotate through the wrist in alternative direction.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the mechanical arm, including the components and their functions. However, the comparison to the human arm is mentioned in the introduction but not sufficiently developed or integrated throughout the body paragraphs. The description of the components is somewhat fragmented, and the explanation of how the motors rotate the joints lacks technical clarity. To improve, you should ensure that the comparison between the mechanical and human arm is woven into the description of each component, rather than just stated as a general premise. The overview is present but could be more cohesive in summarizing the overall mechanism.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical progression between them is weak. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'at the top' or 'on the other hand'. Some sentences are disjointed, particularly in the second paragraph where the transition between the computer's role and the physical components is abrupt. Referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'actual arm' which is ambiguous in this context. Improving the use of linking words and ensuring each paragraph has a clear thematic focus would enhance the flow of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several spelling errors, such as 'robortic', 'percision', 'shoudler', and 'wel metal', which distract the reader. While you attempt to use technical terms like 'end effectors' and 'pivot', the overall range is limited. The phrasing is often simplistic, and some word choices are inaccurate, such as 'wel metal' instead of 'welding'. To achieve a higher score, focus on using more precise technical terminology and ensure accurate spelling of key terms related to the diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'a computer which... control three motors'), missing articles (e.g., 'a spray paint'), and awkward sentence construction (e.g., 'Ending effectors can be rotate'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of semicolons and commas. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence structure and proofreading for basic errors would be beneficial.

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

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