Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-04

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 picture below describes how a mechanical arm works and how it is made using joints that helps in functioning of arm, same way our hands and shoulder works.

Firstly, the whole instrument is places on a base which is occasinally movable and is stationary. There is square shape arm holder is placed on base, one large arm is facing upward direction with the help of pivot which enables rotation, just like rotating human arm from shoulder. On the other side of holder, a motor is attach who runs all this functions. On the top part of arm, another motor is attach for flexibilty and movement of elbow. The wrist is connected to a gripper to grab objects and is built with sensor control. Gripper also has motor fixed to control its function. Lastly, all the motors are connected to a computer for precision control.

To conclude, this machine works similarly to human arm from shoulder giving roation to arms and elbows providind flexibilty, wrist controlling movements.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response addresses the task partially, attempting to describe how the mechanical arm works and comparing its joints to a human arm. However, the explanation is limited and lacks adequate detail from the visual data. Key features such as the computer precision control, alternative end-effectors, and specific roles of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist are only partially or superficially covered. The overview provided in the conclusion is brief and lacks clarity regarding the overall mechanism. To reach a higher level, the writer needs to select and report the main features more comprehensively, ensuring all key components of the diagram are fully developed and clearly explained without missing crucial structural relationships.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The text presents a coherent overall arrangement with a discernible introduction, body, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Firstly', 'On the other side', and 'Lastly', although some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Paragraphing is attempted, though the body of the text is somewhat lumped together into a single block before a brief concluding sentence. Referencing is generally clear, but the logical progression between sentences occasionally falters, making the description of the mechanical parts feel slightly disjointed. To improve further, the writer should use more sophisticated and varied cohesive devices, ensure smoother transitions between the different sections of the arm, and organise the text into distinct, well-structured paragraphs that separate the base components from the upper mechanisms.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is minimally adequate for the task, providing basic terms related to the diagram such as 'base', 'pivot', 'motor', 'wrist', and 'gripper'. However, the range is limited, and there are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'places on a base which is occasinally movable and is stationary' (where the contradiction in the text does not match the diagram accurately) and 'motor is attach'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with some inaccuracy, and spelling errors like 'occasinally' and word-form errors such as 'attach' instead of 'attached' occur. To achieve a higher score, the writer needs to employ a wider and more precise range of vocabulary, demonstrating better control over collocations and word forms relevant to technical descriptions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a limited range of grammatical structures, relying mostly on simple sentences with frequent attempts at complex forms that turn out faulty. There are multiple grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues like 'joints that helps' and 'hands and shoulder works', missing articles, and incorrect verb forms such as 'motor is attach who runs all this functions'. Punctuation is also basic and occasionally problematic. These frequent errors cause some difficulty for the reader and impede the smooth flow of the description. To move up, the writer must demonstrate better control over complex sentence patterns, ensure accurate verb tenses and agreements, and eliminate frequent grammatical slips.

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

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