Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The provided process chart significantly illustrates the pivotal information regarding the working of mechanical arm and how each part of how that make up the arm function in the same way as those in a human arm.

From an overall perspective, it is quite evident that there are total five steps involved in the process of mechanical arm. It starts with the computer precision and culminates at the end gripper.

To commence with, at first, computers control the motors. Moreover, there are three motors; first motor connected with shoulder that is attached with base. Furthermore, pivot is attached with shoulder. In next step, second motor attach with elbow which helps to rotate the machine head.

Moving further, in upcoming step, third motor is attach with gripper and gripper is attach with wrist. It helps gripper to move in flexible.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to describe the diagram of the mechanical arm, but it falls short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 139 words. This under-length restriction directly impacts Task Achievement, capping the score. Furthermore, the content fails to fully report the main features and structural comparisons. The student misses key functional details about how the motors connect to specific joints (such as the computer precision control and alternative end-effectors like spray painting, drilling, or welding). While an overview is attempted, it misinterprets the structural steps as a linear process rather than a functional schematic. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed, aligning with Band 5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into short paragraphs, attempting an introduction, an overview, and body details using sequencing phrases like 'To commence with', 'In next step', and 'Moving further'. However, the logical progression is flawed because the diagram depicts a structural schematic rather than a step-by-step process. Cohesive devices are used mechanically and sometimes inaccurately (e.g., 'in upcoming step'). Referencing is also confusing, with unclear links between the motors and the joints. Paragraphing is present but basic. This overall organisation shows some structural arrangement but lacks clear progression, placing it in Band 5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The student uses an adequate vocabulary related to the diagram, including terms such as 'mechanical arm', 'computer', 'motors', 'shoulder', 'base', 'pivot', 'elbow', 'gripper', and 'wrist'. However, the range is limited and repetitive. There are noticeable word choice and collocation errors, such as 'second motor attach with elbow' and 'move in flexible' instead of 'flexibility'. Less common lexical items are attempted but handled inaccurately. Spelling is generally accurate, but vocabulary limitations occasionally impede smooth reading, justifying a Band 5 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The text demonstrates a mix of simple and attempted complex sentence forms, but grammatical control is weak. There are frequent errors in verb forms, subject-verb agreement, and missing prepositions (e.g., 'how that make up', 'first motor connected with shoulder', 'third motor is attach'). Sentences often lack necessary articles or auxiliary verbs. While some basic sentences are clear, the attempts at complex structures are frequently faulty, leading to errors that occasionally cause difficulty for the reader. This performance aligns with the Band 5 descriptors.

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

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