Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-22

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 systematic and multi-stage process involved in functioning of a mechanical arm and also provides information about how its joints work similar to human arm.

Overall, different components of the mechanical arm perform unique funtions while operating. Some major components include motors which work as elbow, gripper, and computer, and other parts include pivot, base, shoulder, and wrist, which perform fuctions of gripping, providing flexibitlity, and rotating.

Initially, the mechanical arm includes three types of motor, first motor acts as an elbow which allows the arm to move and provides flexibility to it. Second motor is used as a computer to control other motors and overall functioning of the system. Third motor works as a gripper which has some built-in sensors for controlling force. Subsequently, a wrist attaches the elbow to the gripper, which provides flexibility for rotation to the gripper. Furthermore, a base which usually remains stationary and moves ocassionally, has a shoulder and a pivot attached on the upside. The pivot enables arm to rotate and the shoulder is used to raise and lower arm. The arm work as an alternative to end-effectors such as spray paint, drill holes, and weld metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses the main features of the diagram, explaining how the mechanical arm works and how its parts correspond to human joints and perform specific functions. The overview captures the core mechanism, noting key components like motors, joints, and the base. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in reporting the visual relationships; for instance, the text states that 'second motor is used as a computer' and that the arm 'work as an alternative to end-effectors', whereas the computer actually controls the motors and the alternative end-effectors are tools attached to the arm rather than the arm itself. These misreadings of the diagram labels prevent the response from achieving a higher band, placing it firmly at Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized logically with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and a body paragraph detailing the specific components and their functions. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the text, such as 'Initially', 'Second motor', 'Third motor', and 'Furthermore'. However, paragraphing could be improved by separating the detailed descriptions into distinct steps or sections rather than clumping them into a single dense body paragraph. Referencing is generally clear, though occasional transitional links feel slightly mechanical, which is characteristic of Band 6.0 to 6.5 writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, attempting some less common technical terms derived from the diagram such as 'stationary', 'flexibility', and 'end-effectors'. However, there are several spelling errors ('funtions', 'fuctions', 'flexibitlity', 'ocassionally') and some imprecise word choices, such as stating motors 'work as' an elbow or computer instead of driving or controlling them. While the student attempts a varied range of vocabulary, these inaccuracies in form and collocation keep the lexical score at a solid Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and introductory phrases effectively. There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings present throughout, such as 'involved in functioning of' (missing article), 'joints work similar to' (missing 'to be' or 'similarly to'), 'arm work as' (subject-verb agreement error), and missing plural markers like 'lower arm'. Despite these frequent minor errors, meaning is rarely impeded, and the sentence structures remain comprehensible, meeting the criteria for Band 6.0.

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

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