Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-01

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 provides the information about how a mechanical arm operates, and how the joints of this perfom similarly to the joints in human arm.

Overall, the apparatus is controlled by computer by three motors which control; base, elbow and gripper. Also the mechanical arm is being used in spray paint and others.

Firstly, computer is for precision and control of motors. One motor, controls the function of shoulders which raises and lowers the arm, that is on base which is usually stationary or occasionally movable.As pivot is present to enable arm to rotate.Second motor is controlling the elbow which allows movement and gives flexibility to arm like in human beings.

The third motor of computer controls the gripper whichi s a built in sensors control force.Along with it wrist is present like humans, which allows gripper or alternative end effector to flex or rotate. Alternative end effectors are being used in spary paint, drill holes and weld metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response attempts to cover the main features of the diagram detailing how a mechanical arm operates, but the information is presented in a somewhat limited and disjointed manner. While the student outlines the functions of the computer, motors, base, pivot, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and gripper, some parts are underdeveloped or lack clarity. For example, the description of how alternative end-effectors are used for tasks like spray painting and drilling is abrupt and lacks full contextual integration. The overview provided in the second paragraph touches upon key components, but overall, the task is addressed only partially, as key comparisons between the human arm and the mechanical joints are stated rather than fully developed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is a basic level of organization in the response, moving from a brief introduction to specific details about the motors and joints. However, there is a lack of clear overall progression and smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Cohesive devices are sometimes used mechanically or inaccurately, such as the sudden transition using 'Also' and 'Firstly' without a robust framework of logical progression. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping of ideas feels somewhat arbitrary, such as cramming multiple motor functions into a single dense section without clear signposting.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is minimally adequate for the task, featuring basic terms related to machinery and anatomy such as 'computer', 'motors', 'base', 'elbow', and 'gripper'. There are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'perfom' (spelling), 'spary paint' (spelling/collocation), and 'gripper whichi s a built in sensors control force' (ungrammatical phrasing). The student attempts less common vocabulary like 'alternative end-effectors', but overall the range is limited, and inaccuracies occasionally cause some difficulty for the reader in grasping precise mechanical relationships.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response shows a very limited range of sentence structures, relying heavily on simple sentences or attempts at complex clauses that become faulty or awkwardly punctuated. There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including missing articles ('provides the information', 'in human arm'), punctuation errors (comma splices and missing commas), and incorrect prepositional usage or verb forms (e.g., 'One motor, controls the function...', 'mechanical arm is being used in spray paint'). These frequent errors require the reader to slow down, characteristic of a lower control level.

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