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 above diagram illustrates the function of a technology-based arm works and elaborates on how it works in the same way as a human arm.

Computers precisely control the motors of the arm. It consists of 3 motors; each of them is designed for a specific function. First, it is connected to the shoulder above the base of the arm. That helps to move the arm up and down. Base is usually remains immovable, though sometimes movable. Behind the shoulder, a pivot is attached that allows the arm to move freely. Second, it is connected to the elbow, which helps to provide thorough movement and flexibility. Third, it is attached after the wrist at the joint of the gripper; the wrist allows the movement of the gripper. On the gripper, there are sensors helps to control the force.

On the other hand, there is a human arm. It is used with the efforts of humans. It is used to drill holes, spray paint, and weld the metal. In comparison to both, the mechanical arm works efficiently and precisely in a controlled way.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the task only partially. While the student attempts to summarise the diagram, the information presented contains inaccuracies and misunderstandings regarding how the mechanical arm and its components function. For instance, the text confusingly states that a human arm is used to 'drill holes, spray paint, and weld the metal,' misinterpreting the alternative end-effectors of the mechanical arm as human functions. Furthermore, some key features of the diagram are under-developed or mechanically listed rather than synthesised cohesively, resulting in a partial coverage of the prompt's requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some basic organisation in the response, but it lacks a clear overall progression. The writing is divided into short paragraphs, but the logical links between ideas are frequently awkward or faulty. Cohesive devices are used mechanically or inadequately, such as the repetitive sequencing words ('First... Second... Third...') which do not flow naturally. Additionally, referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult to follow which motor or component is being discussed at various points in the description.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is limited and barely adequate for the task, with noticeable word choice and collocation errors that occasionally cause confusion for the reader. Examples include phrases like 'technology-based arm' instead of 'mechanical arm' and 'Base is usually remains immovable'. The student attempts some less common vocabulary related to the diagram labels, but inaccuracies in word forms (such as 'sensors helps to control') and lexical repetition restrict the score to this level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of sentence structures. While there are some simple sentences that are clear, attempts at more complex structures are often faulty. There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('sensors helps'), missing articles ('Base is usually remains'), and awkward phrasing ('the function of a technology-based arm works'). These frequent errors can cause some difficulty for the reader and demonstrate weak control over basic grammatical patterns.

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

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