Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The picture provides a detailed account about 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. The components which are being used in the making of mechanical arm include motors, elbows,base wrist and gripper and a pivot.

Mechanical arms are being controlled by a computer, but they are mostly comprised of motors with their dedicated functions. The mechanical arms is placed on an base which is movable to an certain extend, with pivot enabling movement controlled by a motor with a sensor embedded in it. The elbow provides the flexibility to the arm with the motor's help. A motor powered gripper is attached at the front of the arm in order to hold an object with accurate force which is being controlled by the sensor. The shoulder is used for proper orientation of hieght of the arm.

In order to assemble this arm, a skilled worker uses various tools for drilling holes, wielding metal and spraying with paint.

In conclusion, mechanical arms may have similar functions as that of a regular human arm but it cannot replicate the intricacies or become efficient in functioning like a human arm.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student attempts to summarise the diagram of the mechanical arm, mentioning key components such as motors, the base, pivot, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and gripper, as well as the computer control system. However, there are notable misinterpretations of the visual data. For example, the text states that 'the mechanical arms is placed on an base which is movable to an certain extend', whereas the diagram clearly indicates the base is 'usually stationary/occasionally movable'. Furthermore, the concluding paragraph introduces unsupported speculation and personal opinion ('it cannot replicate the intricacies or become efficient in functioning like a human arm') rather than focusing strictly on reporting and comparing the features shown in the diagram. Consequently, the response addresses the task only partially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is divided into four paragraphs, including an introduction and a conclusion. There is a basic attempt to organise information logically by moving from the overall control system and base up to the arm joints and end-effectors. However, the progression is sometimes disjointed due to awkward transitions and weak referencing. For example, the second paragraph crams multiple disparate features together ('motors, elbows,base wrist and gripper and a pivot' with punctuation errors). Cohesive devices are minimal or mechanical, and the paragraphing does not fully guide the reader smoothly through the comparative features of the mechanical arm.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully employing terms like 'components', 'embedded', 'orientation', and 'flexibility'. However, there are noticeable spelling errors ('extend' instead of extent, 'hieght' instead of height, 'wielding' instead of welding) and awkward phrasing such as 'placed on an base'. While less common vocabulary is attempted, these lexical inaccuracies and spelling slips restrict the score to band 5.5, as they occasionally cause difficulty or distraction for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Mechanical arms are being controlled by a computer, but they are mostly comprised of motors with their dedicated functions.' However, frequent grammatical and punctuation errors occur throughout the text, including article misuse ('on an base', 'to an certain extend'), subject-verb agreement errors ('The mechanical arms is'), and missing punctuation. While meaning is generally retrievable, the frequency of errors prevents the writing from achieving a higher band.

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

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