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)

The diagram illustrates the working of mechanical arm, and how the joints of the arm worksjust like a human arm.

Overall, the arm is made up of different joints just like human arm.While its functions are controlled by different motors that are basically operated by a computer.Its gripper can be altered by pray paint ,drill holes or weld a metal.

The arm hand has a base that is usually stationary or moves occasionally.The arm is linked with 3 motors, one of those is installed at shoulder joint to raise or lower the arm. Second motor is attached at elbow joint.Its fuction is related to movemement,it also provides flexibility.Third motor is linked at wrist that acts like a gripper,and is used to hold thing.It has sensors that has alot of built in force, usually used for doing heavy tasks.All of the control of these three motors is done by a computer precisely.

The gripper has alternative end effectors.They may be used for spraying paints,drilling holes and welding purposes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the diagram’s main subject and give an overview of computer control, the arm’s joints, and the gripper’s alternative uses. You also report several functions accurately, including the shoulder raising or lowering the arm and the elbow providing flexibility. However, some key details are misreported: the diagram shows three motors connected to the joints, but the wrist does not itself act as the gripper; it allows the gripper or another end-effector to flex or rotate. The gripper’s sensors control the force applied, rather than having “a lot of built-in force” for heavy tasks. The pivot’s role in rotation is omitted. Covering these features more precisely and developing the comparison with a human arm would make the summary more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, a description of the arm and its motors, and a final sentence about alternative end-effectors. This gives the reader a basic route through the information. However, progression within the main paragraph is not always clear, and some links between ideas are abrupt. For example, “Second motor is attached at elbow joint” is followed by a separate explanation, while the wrist and gripper functions become confused. The overview also repeats the idea that the arm has joints like a human arm. Use clearer sequencing from base and pivot, through shoulder and elbow, to wrist and gripper, and connect each component directly to its function.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant task vocabulary such as “motors,” “shoulder joint,” “flexibility,” “sensors,” and “alternative end effectors,” so the reader can follow the general topic. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or imprecise: “pray paint” should be “spray paint,” “hold thing” is too general, and “built in force” does not convey that sensors control the force applied. There are also spelling errors, including “fu ction” (written as “fuction”) and “movemement,” which reduce accuracy. Aim for precise component-function language, such as “the gripper grasps objects” and “sensors regulate gripping force,” and check spelling and compound forms before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple statements and longer sentences, and the main meaning is generally understandable. However, some errors in sentence structure, agreement, articles, and punctuation make the writing less controlled. For example, “how the joints of the arm works” has a subject–verb agreement error, while “While its functions are controlled … by a computer” is a dependent clause presented as a sentence fragment. Articles are also missing in phrases such as “made up of different joints just like human arm.” Several sentences run together without appropriate punctuation, particularly in the overview. Practise combining ideas with accurate clauses and checking singular/plural agreement; for instance, “The joints work like those in a human arm, while a computer precisely controls the motors.”

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