Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-19

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 4.5)

The diagram illustrates the different functions performed by a mechanical arm including joints movement that works similar as a human arm. It also demostrates it's alternative end-effectors.

Overall, the mechanical or robotic arm is being controlled by a computer by operating three motors connected as flexible joints similar to human arm. The three motors perform individuals tasks – as elbow to allows movement, as gripper to control built-in sensors, as shoulder to raises or lowers arm.

A specialised mechanical arm works as human arm being controlled by a computer. However, the computer controls three motors which are connected to the mechanical arm and perform different function. One motor works as elbow to allow movements and flexibility, while other motor performs functions like controlling sensor force called gripper. The thirs

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

You identify the diagram as a mechanical arm controlled by a computer and mention the three motors, elbow, gripper, and alternative end-effectors. However, the response reports the arm’s features only minimally and does not give a complete account of how its parts work. The shoulder, wrist, pivot, and base are omitted, and the alternative tools are not described. Some details are also inaccurate: the gripper’s sensors control the force applied, rather than the gripper simply controlling sensors, and the motors are not all described as flexible joints. The response is also 21 words below the required minimum, which limits the detail available. To improve, cover the arm from base to gripper and include the interchangeable spray, drilling, and welding tools.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

The response has an opening, an overview, and a further paragraph, so there is an attempt to organise the information. The computer and motors are introduced before some of their functions, which gives the reader a basic starting point. However, the final paragraph repeats points already made in the overview rather than progressing through the diagram, and it ends abruptly at “The thirs”. This leaves the explanation incomplete and makes the sequence difficult to follow. Linking words such as “while” are used, but the relationships between the components are not consistently clear. A more coherent approach would be to describe the base and shoulder first, then move along the arm to the elbow, wrist, and gripper, before mentioning alternative end-effectors.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant task vocabulary, including “mechanical arm”, “motors”, “elbow”, “gripper”, and “alternative end-effectors”, which helps identify the subject. There is also an attempt to use more specific language such as “built-in sensors” and “flexibility”. However, the range is limited and several word-choice or spelling problems reduce precision: “demostrates” is misspelled, “individuals tasks” is not the correct form, and “controlling sensor force” does not clearly express the function shown. “The thirs” is also incomplete. Use accurate component labels and collocations, for example, “the sensors regulate gripping force” and “the wrist allows rotation”. This would make the description clearer and less repetitive.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response includes both simple statements and attempts at longer sentences, such as “One motor works as elbow to allow movements and flexibility, while other motor performs functions…”. However, grammatical control is inconsistent, and errors sometimes make the relationships between parts unclear. Examples include “works similar as a human arm”, “as elbow to allows movement”, and “as shoulder to raises or lowers arm”; these contain faulty comparison patterns, infinitives, and verb forms. Articles are also missing in phrases such as “while other motor” and “raises or lowers arm”. The final sentence is unfinished, so it cannot communicate a complete idea. Practise accurate patterns such as “works in a similar way to”, “allows the arm to move”, and “the shoulder raises or lowers the arm”, then proofread for complete sentences.

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