Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-21

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 pictorial representation shows working of mechnical arm and how the connections that make up the arm function similiar to human arm.

Overall, it is witnessed that motar is present at the three sides of joint. Moreover, alternative end- effectors of arms are mentioned and several crucial parts are required to form a robotic arm.

The three motors present in the arm those are operated by computer and motor is present at the joint of wrist and gripper. Furthermore, second one is present at the joint which allow movement and flexibility to arm known as elbow. The last one is situated at the base of robotic arm known as shoulder which raises and lowers the arm and pivot is adjusted at the shoulder which enables arm to rotate. Moreover, gripper has build in sensors control force and wrist allow it to rotate freely. Alternative end- effectors are spray paints,drill holes and weld metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the diagram, explaining how the mechanical arm works, the function of its motors and joints, and the alternative end-effectors. However, there are some inaccuracies in reporting the visual data; for example, the text states that 'motar is present at the three sides of joint' and misinterprets the exact positioning of the motors and joints. The overview is somewhat basic and fails to fully synthesise the comparison to the human arm mentioned in the prompt. While all parts of the task are touched upon, the lack of precision and limited development of ideas place this response at Band 5.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The text is organised into three paragraphs, providing an introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph detailing the diagram's features. However, logical progression is hindered by repetitive phrasing and weak cohesive ties, such as 'Furthermore, second one is present' and 'The last one'. Paragraphing is attempted, but the overall structure lacks smooth transitions between ideas, making the progression somewhat disjointed. Referencing devices like 'the one' and 'second one' are occasionally ambiguous. These issues align with a Band 5.5 for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is limited and repetitive, with several spelling errors ('mechnical', 'similiar', 'motar', 'build in'). The student attempts some less common technical vocabulary related to the diagram such as 'end-effectors', 'pivot', and 'sensors', but control is weak. Word choices and collocations are frequently awkward, as seen in phrases like 'weld metal' instead of 'welding metal' or 'drill holes'. Because the lexical range is narrow and noticeable errors cause occasional difficulty, a Band 5.0 is appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The essay displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but attempts at complex sentences often contain grammatical errors or awkward phrasing, such as 'The three motors present in the arm those are operated by computer'. There are frequent errors in articles, prepositions, and subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'wrist allow it to rotate', 'alternative end-effectors are spray paints'). Although the meaning is generally communicated despite the grammatical slips, the frequency of errors places this criterion firmly at Band 5.0.

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

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