Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-05

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 mechanical arm and steps that made the function of arm similar to a human arm.

Overall, a computer control motors connected at elbow, wrist which feature of gripping, movement, flexibility. Although the base is usually stationary however the shoulder enables arm to rotate also raise and lower arm.

First The computer have a precision control of motors. The main work of wrist motor is grip with build in control force which allow to gripper to flex/rotate. Furthermore the elbow motor allow movement moreover another elbow motor work is to gives flexibility.

Secondly the base of motor is stationary but it is occasionally moveable the main purpose of shoulder is to rose arm up and lower it down it consists a part called pivot which work is to enables arm to rotate freely.

The alternative end effectors are as follows (spray paint/drill holes/weld metal)

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the task by describing the mechanical arm and its components. However, the coverage is uneven. While you mention the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, the explanation of how these function similarly to a human arm is underdeveloped. The description of the 'end effectors' is presented as a list rather than integrated into the report, which limits the clarity of the comparison. To improve, ensure you synthesize the information into a cohesive summary rather than listing features. The overview provided is a good start, but it lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the mechanical-to-human comparison required by the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, 'First' and 'Secondly' are used, but the internal flow within paragraphs is disjointed. Phrases like 'moreover another elbow motor work is to gives' create confusion and hinder the logical progression of ideas. Referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly when describing the motors. To achieve a higher score, focus on using a wider variety of linking words more naturally and ensure that each sentence flows logically from the previous one.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward word choice and incorrect collocations, such as 'steps that made the function of arm similar' instead of 'how the arm functions similarly' and 'rose arm up' instead of 'raise the arm'. The range is somewhat limited, relying on basic descriptors. To improve, try to incorporate more precise technical terminology related to mechanical systems and ensure that word forms (e.g., 'moveable' vs 'movable') are used correctly.

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 ('The computer have', 'another elbow motor work is'), missing articles ('the function of arm'), and incorrect verb forms ('rose arm up'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and capitalization. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response 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.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.