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 pictorial graph shows mechanical arms work and how to assemble it in order to use it as human arm.

It is easier to understand the function and layout of mechanical arm which is the outcome of knowledge, efforts and planning.

As the information entails, there is one operating computer which has control of motors. If i talks about arm structure, at the base of it there are pivot and shoulder connected to each other through a use of one motor. This motor helps to rotate and raise and lower the arm.

Furthermore, elbow can be seen, which allows movement and flexibility. Elbow is attached to the gripper with the support of wrist that make connection between the both. In the gripper, motor is fitted to grasp the things and hold. Moreover, gripper has built in sensor control force, that enable it to function properly. Apart from this, there are alternative end effectors like spray paints, drill holes and weld metal. So that it can use for varoius purposes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student attempts to describe the mechanical arm diagram, covering several key elements such as the computer, motors, base, pivot, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and gripper, as well as the alternative end-effectors. However, the response lacks a clear, overall summary or overview of the process as required in Academic Task 1. Furthermore, the description contains inaccuracies and confused phrasing, such as claiming the diagram shows 'how to assemble it', and writing 'If i talks about arm structure'. The relationship between the motors and the joints is also not fully or accurately articulated. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed, leading to a Band 5.5 score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response is divided into four short paragraphs, showing some attempt at logical organization. However, the progression is disjointed. The opening paragraphs are informal and somewhat conversational ('If i talks about...'). Cohesive devices are used minimally and sometimes mechanically ('Furthermore', 'Moreover', 'Apart from this'), and referencing is occasionally unclear, such as ambiguous pronoun use ('it can use for varoius purposes'). Paragraphing is present, but the overall structuring feels choppy rather than flowing logically, which limits the score to Band 5.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive. While the student correctly uses some technical terms from the prompt such as 'computer', 'motors', 'pivot', 'shoulder', 'elbow', and 'gripper', attempts at less common vocabulary or paraphrasing result in awkward word choices and collocation errors (e.g., 'pictorial graph', 'assemble it', 'built in sensor control force'). There are also spelling errors like 'varoius'. The lexical range is adequate for basic communication but restricted, placing it firmly at Band 5.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but grammatical accuracy is weak throughout. There are noticeable errors in subject-verb agreement and pronoun usage, such as 'mechanical arms work', 'how to assemble it... as human arm', and 'If i talks'. Articles are frequently missing or misused (e.g., 'function and layout of mechanical arm', 'through a use of one motor'). Punctuation and capitalization are also inconsistent. Because errors frequently occur and cause some strain for the reader, a Band 5.0 is appropriate.

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

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