Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-20

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.

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Student answer (Band 5.5)

The process diagram provides the visual illustration of how a mechanical arm works and also the process of joints that make up the arm function which replicates human arms.

Firstly, there is a central computer by which 3 motors are controlled. These motors have different functions to do. Going through the process, first motor which is connected to the base of the arm that usually stays stationary but also ocassionally movable. This actually controls the pivot which aims arm to rotate. The second one, connected to the elbow, controls the movement of the arm that allows the flexibility. Additionally, the 3rd motor allows the gripper to rotate or flex. Finally there is a sensor in gripper, that actually controls the force generated by the gripper.

This project can be usable for various type of daily works such as spray painting, drilling holes on wall, welding metal. These kind of work may become dangerous for human.During working at field level, A person may injured badly but a machine don't. And also this kind of machine machine is more reliable and accurate to do similliar job for a long time. This mechanical arm can be actually help to do this kind of job.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram’s general subject and report several relevant features, including the computer-controlled motors, the pivot, the gripper sensor, and examples of alternative uses. However, the account only partially describes how the arm is arranged and operates. In particular, the diagram shows the shoulder raising and lowering the arm, the elbow providing movement, and the wrist allowing the gripper or another end-effector to flex or rotate; these functions are confused or omitted in your description. The claim that the first motor is connected to the base is also not supported by the diagram. The final paragraph focuses on safety and reliability, which are not shown. A clearer overview and more accurate coverage of the labelled joints would make the summary more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic structure, moving from an introduction to a description of the motors and then to possible applications. Sequencing words such as “Firstly,” “Additionally,” and “Finally” help signal progression. However, the description does not consistently follow the diagram’s physical layout, and the links between motors and joints are difficult to track. The final paragraph shifts from describing the visual information to general claims about workplace danger and reliability, weakening the overall progression. Some transitions are also mechanical, while repeated references such as “this kind of job” do not clearly identify the point being discussed. Organise the body around the arm’s components in order—from base and shoulder to elbow, wrist, and gripper—and keep each paragraph focused on information shown in the diagram.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “pivot,” “gripper,” “sensor,” “spray painting,” and “welding metal,” so the reader can recognise the subject. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or awkward, such as “the process of joints,” “different functions to do,” and “aims arm to rotate.” Spelling errors such as “ocassionally” and “similliar,” along with repetition of “machine” and “this kind of job,” reduce precision. Some expressions in the final paragraph are also informal or imprecise for an academic diagram summary. Build a more exact vocabulary for describing component functions and movement, and check spelling and collocations before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt some longer sentence forms, including clauses beginning with “which” and “that,” but control is inconsistent, and many sentences rely on simple patterns. Errors in articles, agreement, and sentence construction appear in examples such as “first motor which is connected,” “allows the flexibility,” and “This mechanical arm can be actually help.” The sentence “A person may injured badly but a machine don't” also has problems with verb forms and auxiliary use. Punctuation and spacing are uneven, particularly in the final paragraph, and the repeated “machine” disrupts the sentence. These errors sometimes make the intended relationships harder to follow. Practise accurate simple sentences first, then add controlled relative clauses to explain each joint’s function.

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