Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-11

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 illustrates the process of how a mechanical arm works, and how the joints that make the arm work function in the same way as human arm. Overall, the computer is the controlling unit which is connected to motors which makes the arm function.

At the start, computer is connected to three motors which are connected to different parts of the arm. The main motor which is directly connected with the computer controls the elbow which allows movement and gives it flexibility. The motor to left connectes to the shoulder which is present near the base. It makes it able to raise or lower the arm. The third motor which is on the right is connected to the hand like shape called gripper. It controls the force.

We also have a wrist behind the gripper which allows the gripper to rotate like a human hand. Near the base, there is a pivot which enables the arm to rotate. The base is usually stationary but occasionally movable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the computer, three motors, several joints, the gripper and the base, and you give a brief overall statement about the computer’s controlling role. However, the account only partly covers the diagram: it omits the alternative end-effectors and their uses, and does not explain the shoulder, pivot and wrist relationships as fully as the visual allows. There is also a key misreading: the left motor is described as connected to the shoulder, whereas the diagram links it to the elbow; the shoulder is raised or lowered by its own function. The comparison with a human arm is mentioned but not developed. To strengthen the report, describe the arm’s main components and functions accurately, and include the interchangeable tools shown.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by details about the motors and then the wrist and base. This makes the main subject easy to follow, and phrases such as “At the start” and “We also have” signal movement between points. However, the progression is not consistently clear because the motor connections are presented in a confusing order, and the inaccurate shoulder connection disrupts the description of how the arm is assembled. Some links between sentences are basic, while “We also have” is conversational rather than a precise reporting transition. Group the information by the control system and then by the arm’s physical parts, using clear references such as “the first motor” and “the joint above the base” to guide the reader.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant task vocabulary, including “motors,” “elbow,” “gripper,” “pivot” and “stationary,” so the reader can identify many of the components. There is some useful functional language in “allows movement,” “raise or lower” and “enables the arm to rotate.” However, the range is limited and several expressions are imprecise or repetitive: “makes the arm function,” “hand like shape” and repeated uses of “connected” do not describe the mechanism very precisely. “Rotate like a human hand” is also an imprecise comparison for the wrist’s flexing or rotating function. Aim for more exact terms such as “controls,” “is linked to,” “joint” and “end-effector,” while avoiding conversational phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use both simple sentences and some longer structures, including the opening clause beginning “Overall” and the relative clause “which allows movement.” Most of the meaning remains understandable, but errors in agreement, articles and verb forms are noticeable. For example, “motors which makes” should use a plural verb, and “computer is connected” needs an article. “The motor to left connectes” contains both an article/preposition problem and an incorrect verb form; “which is present near the base” also has an unclear reference. The sentence patterns are often similar, so the report shows limited flexibility. Practise accurate plural agreement and articles, then vary sentence structures to explain component functions without creating long, error-prone clauses.

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