Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-14

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 model of a mechanical arm and the joints that make the mechanical arms just like the human arm.

Overall, computer is the main controller of the three motors which are further attached to different parts of the mechanized arm include the shoulder, elbow and the gripper. Some alternative end effectors are also shown in the picture.

Three motors are connected to the computer which has the precision control of motors. The other end of motors are attached to the different parts of the metal arm to enable it to perform its functions. The arm consists of a base that is usually stationary however is movable when needed. A shoulder is present above the base and is attached to the first motor. Its task is to raises or lower an arm. For the rotation of arm in clockwise or anti clockwise direction, there is a pivot point. Metal rod joins the shoulder with the elbow whose function is to allow the movement and gives flexibility to arm to enable it to work like a human arm. Additionally this elbow joint is operated by an attached motor. Moving forward to elbow, wrist end to the gripper which acts as a human hand. wrist allows the gripper to rotate and the gripper has built in sensors.

Spray paint machine, drill to make holes and metal welding are alternative end effectors of mechanical arm.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining how a mechanical arm works and comparing its joints to those of a human arm. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, correctly identifying the central role of the computer, motors, and end effectors. Main features such as the base, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and gripper are reported, along with alternative end effectors like spray paint machines and drills. While some descriptions of the mechanical relationships are slightly simplistic or dense—such as 'wrist end to the gripper'—the response covers the core elements adequately and provides a clear summary of the diagram's overall information, satisfying the Band 6.0 criteria well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The text demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a logical progression from an introductory overview to detailed descriptions of the components, concluding with alternative end effectors. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction, body description, and conclusion. However, cohesion is sometimes faulty or mechanical. For instance, transitional phrases like 'Moving forward to elbow' are slightly unnatural, and referencing is occasionally unclear, such as 'The other end of motors' or 'wrist end to the gripper'. Cohesive devices are present but lack smooth integration, placing this response comfortably at Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating specific technical terms from the diagram such as 'end effectors', 'pivot point', 'sensors', and 'gripper'. There are several word choice and collocation errors, such as 'its task is to raises or lower', 'wrist end to the gripper' instead of 'connects to the gripper', and missing articles ('computer is the main controller', 'base that is usually stationary however is movable'). However, these vocabulary and word-formation errors do not impede communication, matching the Band 6.0 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writing features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'The arm consists of a base that is usually stationary however is movable when needed.' There are several grammatical errors and punctuation slips throughout the response, including subject-verb agreement issues ('its task is to raises or lower', 'computer is the main controller'), missing articles, and missing prepositions ('rotation of arm in clockwise or anti clockwise direction'). Nevertheless, these errors rarely impede communication and the basic meaning remains clear, which aligns with the requirements for Band 6.0.

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

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