Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-15

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 mechanical arm works and the function of joints in an arm by comparing it to human arm.

Overall , it is evident thatthere is similarity in mechanical arm and human arm showing the functions of each joints from shoulder till wrists.

In computer , there is a control of three motors.All these are attached to each other like a human arm with base usually stationary or occasionallly movable. First motor is compared to shoulders of human arms which raises or lowers the arm and there is pivot attached to it which enables arm to move. Next to it, is second arm which is responsible for the movement which gives flexibility like elbow in human arms

.In addition to it is wrists that allows gripper or alternative end effectors to flex or rotate. However, at the end is gripper that has built-in sensors to control force.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram’s main subject and include several accurate functions, such as the shoulder raising or lowering the arm, the elbow providing flexibility, and the wrist allowing rotation. However, the summary is incomplete: it does not describe the alternative end-effectors (spraying, drilling and welding), and the comparison with a human arm is asserted rather than clearly explained. The statement that the motors are “attached to each other” is also imprecise; the diagram shows them controlling different parts of the arm. The overview is limited to a general similarity rather than summarising the arm’s main components and functions. The response is one word below the required minimum, and fuller coverage of the diagram would also help develop the report.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is a basic sequence from the computer and motors through the shoulder, elbow, wrist and gripper, so the reader can follow the arm’s general structure. The opening and overview also provide an attempt at an introduction and summary. However, the response is presented as one paragraph, and the progression is weakened by unclear links such as “First motor is compared to shoulders” and “Next to it, is second arm.” These phrases make it difficult to tell whether you are describing motors, joints or sections of the arm. “In addition to it” and “However” do not clearly express the relationships between the points. Use separate paragraphs for the overview and details, and connect each component to its function more precisely.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a relevant range of task vocabulary, including “pivot,” “flexibility,” “gripper,” “built-in sensors” and “alternative end effectors.” These terms help convey several specific features of the diagram, and the meaning is generally understandable. However, some word choices and collocations are imprecise: “second arm” appears to refer to a motor or arm section, while “attached to each other” does not accurately describe the control arrangement. “Move” is also repeated where more precise verbs such as “rotate,” “raise” or “flex” would clarify the functions. There are spelling and form slips, including “occasionallly” and “wrists” when referring to the wrist joint. More accurate component names and varied functional verbs would improve precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including the overview clause beginning “Overall” and the sentence describing the wrist and gripper. However, errors in sentence structure, agreement, articles and punctuation are frequent enough to make some relationships unclear. For example, “The diagram illustrates the mechanical arm works” needs a grammatical link such as “illustrates how the mechanical arm works,” and “function of joints” needs an article or plural form. In “there is similarity in mechanical arm and human arm,” the article and comparison structure are missing. The sentence beginning “First motor is compared to shoulders” also has number and article problems. Review sentence boundaries and agreement, and proofread spacing and punctuation, especially the stray full stop before “In addition.”

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