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 given picture illustrates a mechanical arm will do its job with using different motors to build a good machine, and how all the joints come together to prepare the arm junction. This arm significantly resembles a human arm.
Overall, the function arm consists of 3 main motors which are placed at the base, elbow and the gripper respectively. The base of the arm is the most essential component of the system because it is the place where the whole arm was balanced and it is in a stationary position. On the other hand, the the elbow movement to be flexible and is connected to pivot of the base.
Gripper is one of the most useful component of the arm as it holds all the equipment it needs. It is also having a inbuilt sensors which monitors and controls the movements of the gripper.
There are many alternatives used such as spray paints, drill holes and weld metal, but all these were replaced by the functioning mechanical arm.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response attempts to describe the mechanical arm diagram, noting that it resembles a human arm and identifying some key components such as the base, elbow, and gripper. However, the task achievement is limited by several misunderstandings of the visual data. For example, the student claims that the base is where 'the whole arm was balanced' and that it connects to the elbow movement, whereas the diagram shows the pivot and shoulder directly above the base, with three separate motors driven by a computer controlling different joints. Additionally, the final paragraph misinterprets the alternative end-effectors, stating they were replaced by the mechanical arm when the diagram indicates they are alternative tools the arm can use (spray paint, drill holes, weld metal). Therefore, the response only partially addresses the prompt with under-developed and inaccurate reporting of the main features.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is divided into four paragraphs, attempting an introductory overview, body paragraphs for specific parts, and a concluding remark. However, the logical progression is frequently disrupted by confusing transitions and unclear referencing. For instance, the phrase 'On the other hand, the the elbow movement to be flexible and is connected to pivot of the base' is grammatically incomplete and fails to establish a coherent contrast. Cohesive devices are used awkwardly ('It is also having a inbuilt sensors'), and paragraphing does not effectively group related information, leading to a disjointed reading experience that struggles to maintain clear logical progression.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The lexical range is limited and repetitive. The student uses basic vocabulary such as 'picture', 'job', 'machine', and 'component'. There are noticeable word choice and collocation errors throughout the response, such as 'mechanical arm will do its job with using different motors', 'arm junction' instead of joint, and 'a inbuilt sensors' instead of built-in sensors. Furthermore, terms from the diagram are slightly misused or awkwardly phrased. While communication of the general topic is maintained, these frequent lexical inaccuracies restrict the score to the band 5 level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response demonstrates a limited range of grammatical structures. Simple sentences are mixed with awkward attempts at complex structures that frequently contain errors. Examples of grammatical flaws include tense inconsistencies and structural incompleteness, such as 'will do its job with using', 'where the whole arm was balanced', 'the the elbow movement to be flexible', and 'It is also having a inbuilt sensors'. These frequent errors in grammar and clause construction often cause difficulty for the reader and prevent the text from achieving a higher band.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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