Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-03

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 figure illustrates about how an arm function is similar to human arm. So, firstly, while making the arm function, we have a computer with 3 different motors connected to it. The computer is the controller of motors.

The first motor, is connected to the shoulder pivot, which enables arm to rotate, which helps in raising and lowering the arm. The second motor is connected to the elbow, which gives movement and flexibility; it is connected to the pivot with a rod. The third motor is connected to a gripper, which gives built in sensors control force so that it can be used. The elbow and gripper are connected to each other thrrough a wrist which allows gripper to flex or rotate.

These alternative end-effectors can be used my many people for various works like spray paint, drill holes and weld metal. This all require an arm function to make there work easier.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the task only partially, presenting a summary of the mechanical arm diagram with several inaccuracies and under-developed ideas. While the writer attempts to report the main features such as the computer, motors, shoulder, elbow, and gripper, the explanation lacks clarity and misinterprets some mechanical relationships shown in the visual. For instance, the text claims that 'the second motor is connected to the elbow... and it is connected to the pivot with a rod,' which misreads the diagram's layout. Furthermore, the overview is weak, and the conclusion regarding alternative end-effectors is poorly integrated and speculative. To move to a higher band, the writer needs to select and report the features more accurately, provide a clearer overall trend or summary of how the robotic arm mimics human joints, and fully develop the descriptions without mechanical misreadings.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some basic organization with a beginning, middle, and end, but the response lacks a clear overall progression. Paragraphing is poorly handled, as the text breaks awkwardly into short blocks rather than grouping logical information together. Cohesive devices are used mechanically and sometimes inaccurately, such as the abrupt transition 'So, firstly' and the repetitive use of 'is connected to.' Reference words are also confusing at times, making it difficult to follow the relationships between components. For example, phrases like 'This all require' create unclear referencing. To achieve a higher score, the writer must ensure logical sequencing from the base up to the end-effectors, use a wider and more accurate range of cohesive devices, and organize the response into well-structured paragraphs with clear topical focus.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is limited and barely adequate for the task. The writer attempts some less common terms related to the diagram, such as 'pivot,' 'end-effectors,' and 'gripper,' but these are accompanied by noticeable errors in word choice, collocation, and word form. For instance, phrases like 'an arm function is similar to human arm' lack necessary articles and proper phrasing, and 'This all require an arm function to make there work easier' contains incorrect verb agreement ('require') and a spelling error ('there' instead of 'their'). Lexical repetition is evident throughout the response, particularly with verbs like 'connects' and nouns like 'motor' and 'arm.' To improve, the writer should expand their lexical range with precise technical synonyms and ensure correct word forms and collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The grammatical range is limited, relying mostly on simple sentences and basic coordination. When the writer attempts complex structures, they are frequently faulty, such as in the clause 'so that it can be used' or the poorly constructed opening sentence 'The figure illustrates about how an arm function is similar to human arm,' which incorrectly includes an unnecessary preposition after 'illustrates.' There are frequent errors in verb forms, subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'The first motor, is connected' with an unnecessary comma), and missing articles (e.g., 'enables arm to rotate'). These frequent errors can cause occasional difficulty for the reader. To progress, the writer needs to demonstrate a greater variety of complex sentence forms with accurate punctuation and consistent grammatical control.

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

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