Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-09-29

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 demonstrates working of a mechanical arm, and how the joints of a mechanical arm are similar to a human arm.

Overall, the motor's elbow, arm, and wrist works exactly the same as an arm of a human being.

Computer controls in total of 3 motors in which one of them is connected to the shoulder that is resting on a base which is stationary or movable occasionally on top of that is a pivot which enables the arm to rotate. Moreover, the second motor is directly connected to the elbow of a mechanical arm which provides flexibility and allow them to move.

The third and last motor directly links to the gripper which is a built-in sensor control force behind that is the wrist that allows gripper to rotate in any direction. In the end, the alternative end-effectors can be used such as spray paint, drill holes and weld metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response successfully covers all main parts of the diagram, explaining how the mechanical arm works, its core components (motors, base, pivot, shoulder, elbow, wrist, gripper), and its functional similarity to a human arm alongside alternative end-effectors. However, the overview sentence is somewhat underdeveloped and contains mechanical inaccuracies, such as stating 'the motor's elbow, arm, and wrist works exactly the same as an arm of a human being', which misinterprets the diagram's relationship between the motors and the joints. Despite this slight confusion, the selection of features is largely accurate, and the response meets the minimum word requirement cleanly, satisfying the criteria for a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The text maintains a coherent overall arrangement and follows a logical sequence from the base and pivot upward through the motors, elbow, wrist, and finally to the end-effectors. Paragraphing is attempted, though the division into single-sentence paragraphs makes the progression slightly choppy and disjointed. Cohesive devices are used to link ideas (e.g., 'Moreover', 'In the end'), but referencing is occasionally weak, such as 'which one of them is connected to the shoulder' and 'allow them to move', where antecedent agreement is fuzzy. Overall, the organization is clear enough to follow without difficulty, corresponding to a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, incorporating specific terms directly from the diagram such as 'stationary', 'pivot', 'end-effectors', and 'built-in sensor'. However, there are noticeable word choice errors and awkward collocations, such as 'demonstrates working of' (missing an article), 'the motor's elbow', and 'sensor control force' instead of 'sensors control force'. While the writer attempts less common vocabulary, inaccuracies in phrasing and collocation limit the score to a Band 6.0, as communication remains clear despite the lexical flaws.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but it is heavily impacted by run-on sentences and punctuation errors, particularly comma splices and missing periods (e.g., 'Computer controls in total of 3 motors in which one of them is connected to the shoulder that is resting on a base...'). There are also agreement and preposition issues, such as 'controls in total of' and 'allow them to move' referring back to a singular motor or elbow. Although these errors do not impede overall comprehension, their frequency prevents the writing from achieving a higher band, placing it firmly at a Band 5.5.

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

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