Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

This mechanical arm works same as human hand works. Just like human hand which do movements through 3 ways: one the shoulder which helps us to rotate or do 360 degree movement, the second our elbow which helps us to move horizontally, and the third wrist which helps us in gripping something with the help of fingers. This machine perform the same function like our hand. Another common feature is that all these are being initiated and controlled by a particular machine. In case of human that force is human brain while in the scenario of this mechanical arm is the computer.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

The response identifies the broad comparison between a human arm and a mechanical arm, and it notes that a computer controls the machine. However, it addresses the diagram only minimally: it does not explain the motors, base, pivot, shoulder’s raising and lowering action, wrist rotation, gripper sensors, or alternative end-effectors. Some functions are also misreported: the pivot enables rotation, while the shoulder raises and lowers the arm; the diagram does not say the shoulder provides 360-degree movement or that the wrist grips using fingers. The response contains 102 words, below the required 150, which further limits its coverage. To improve, describe the main components and their functions accurately, then include the interchangeable tools shown.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

There is a basic line of thought: the response first compares the human and mechanical arms, then contrasts how each is controlled. Linking phrases such as “Just like” and “Another common feature” help signal these relationships. However, the response is a single paragraph with little progression through the diagram’s components, and the repeated references to “human hand” and “same function” make the organisation feel circular. The list of shoulder, elbow and wrist functions is not followed by a clear account of how the mechanical arm is assembled or operates. A more effective structure would be an overview followed by a description from the base and shoulder up to the gripper, with a final sentence on alternative end-effectors.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the general comparison, with relevant terms such as “shoulder,” “elbow,” “wrist,” “computer” and “gripping.” However, the range is limited and several phrases are imprecise or repetitive, including “works same as,” “do movements through 3 ways” and “particular machine.” Some wording also confuses the diagram’s functions: “rotate” is assigned to the shoulder, while the wrist is described as helping with gripping. Use more precise process vocabulary, such as “pivot,” “flex,” “rotate,” “gripper” and “end-effector,” and distinguish the functions of each joint. This would make the description more specific and better suited to an academic diagram summary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts both simple and more extended sentence forms, including a comparison introduced by “Just like” and a contrast beginning “In case of human.” However, errors are frequent enough to make some sentences awkward. For example, “This mechanical arm works same as human hand works” is missing articles and has an unnatural repeated verb structure; “This machine perform” has subject–verb disagreement; and “which helps us to rotate or do 360 degree movement” has unclear grammatical reference. The colon-led list also becomes a long sentence with uneven structure. Practise accurate articles, agreement and complete parallel clauses, for example: “The shoulder raises and lowers the arm, while the pivot allows it to rotate.”

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