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 below diagram illustrates the working process of a mechanical arm and also shows how the joints of that arm work in a similar way as those in a human arm.

Overall, it shows all the components of that artificial arm and how a computer controls that motors precisely. Additionally the working of elbow which allows movements and gripper to control force and the wrist and pivot to flex and rotate that arm.

Starting from the computer, which control the precision of the three motors which are connected to different components, the shoulder used for raising the arm. There is a pivot which allows the arm to rotate then there is elbow which enables movements. then there is wrist which allows gripper to rotate and flex.

The last one motor is connected to the gripper which control the built-in sensors force.

In conclusion all the components work in sync to make the artificial arm work in an efficient was as a real arm work.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the diagram, explaining how the computer controls the motors and how the various joints function similarly to a human arm. However, the explanation is somewhat disjointed and lacks a fully structured overview of the entire mechanism. Key components such as the base, pivot, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and gripper are mentioned, along with the alternative end-effectors implied by the diagram's text. While the core information is present, the reporting of the features is slightly fragmented and lacks a cohesive synthesis. This places it at Band 6.0, as it addresses all parts of the task though some parts are under-developed or less clearly integrated.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The text is arranged into a rough introductory and concluding structure with body paragraphs, but the logical progression and paragraphing are weak. Sentences often run together abruptly without smooth transitions, as seen in 'Additionally the working of elbow which allows movements and gripper to control force...' Furthermore, referencing is at times unclear, and cohesive devices are used mechanically ('Starting from... then there is... then there is... The last one'). Paragraphing is also under-utilised, resulting in a slightly jumbled sequence of ideas. These issues limit the coherence of the response, justifying a Band 5.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using technical terms derived from the diagram such as 'components', 'precision', 'sensors', 'flex', and 'rotate'. However, there are noticeable word choice errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'controls that motors precisely', 'working of elbow', and 'in an efficient was as a real arm work'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, these repeated lexical inaccuracies prevent the score from reaching a higher band. Therefore, a Band 5.5 is appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but attempts at complex structures are frequently faulty or incomplete, such as 'Overall, it shows all the components of that artificial arm and how a computer controls that motors precisely.' There are frequent grammatical errors involving subject-verb agreement, articles, and prepositions (e.g., 'the shoulder used for raising the arm', 'The last one motor', 'in an efficient was'). These errors require some effort from the reader to decode, though they do not completely impede communication. This performance aligns with the Band 5.5 descriptors.

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

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