Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-14

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)

Given diagram represents that how the mechanical arm works and the similarity between joints that make arm function and a human arm.

Overall, it consist of three main things like base, arm and gripper along with three motors.

Firstly, one key feature is base which usually stationary and sometime moveable. Above base there is a shoulder which raises and lowers arm along with pivot which enables arm to rotate. Other end of the arm is connected to the wrist and there is a battery too in elbow providing movement.

Secondly, the other end of the wrist is connected to the gripper and wrist can rotate to to pick up items. The gripper has built-in sensors along with a motor. Moto in elbow is as precise as a computer and third motor is in the base. It can also be used for welding, drill holes and spray paint. Respective devices are attached in place of the gripper for performing other tasks.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify several relevant features, including the base, shoulder, pivot, wrist, gripper, motors and alternative uses such as welding and drilling. The overview also recognises the main components, but it is brief and does not clearly explain how the computer controls the motors or how the arm’s joints correspond to human joints. Some details are inaccurate: the diagram does not show a battery in the elbow, and it does not say that the elbow motor is as precise as a computer. The motor connections and the functions of the elbow, shoulder and wrist could be reported more accurately. This gives a partial account of the diagram, with relevant but sometimes unclear or under-developed information. Focus on the control system and explain the joints’ functions without adding unsupported details.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable overall structure: an opening, a brief overview and two body sections. Sequencing words such as “Overall,” “Firstly” and “Secondly” help signal the progression from the base towards the gripper and its uses. However, the organisation is sometimes mechanical, and the relationship between details is not always clear. For example, “Other end of the arm is connected to the wrist” is difficult to follow after the shoulder and pivot, while the sentence about the elbow motor shifts abruptly to the computer and third motor. Grouping the control system and arm components more clearly, then describing alternative end-effectors in a separate concluding sentence, would improve progression. Use references such as “this joint” only when the component is unmistakable.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant technical vocabulary, including “pivot,” “built-in sensors,” “gripper” and “alternative tasks,” which helps convey the diagram’s subject. The range is adequate for a basic description, but several word-choice and collocation errors reduce precision: “three main things” is informal and vague, “a battery too in elbow” mislabels the component, and “Moto in elbow” appears to be an inaccurate form of “motor.” The phrase “pick up items” is understandable but less precise than describing the gripper’s function. Aim for consistent technical terms and more formal reporting language. For example, name the arm’s “components” rather than “things,” and describe the gripper as handling or grasping objects.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more extended sentence forms, including clauses describing functions: “a shoulder which raises and lowers arm” and “devices are attached in place of the gripper.” However, errors are frequent enough to make some sentences awkward or unclear. Examples include “it consist” instead of “it consists,” “base which usually stationary” without a finite verb, and “the similarity between joints that make arm function,” which has an incomplete and unclear structure. Articles and plurals are also inconsistent, as in “in elbow” and “three main things like base, arm and gripper.” There is also an accidental repetition in “to to pick up.” Practise accurate subject–verb agreement, articles and complete relative clauses, then proofread for repeated words.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.