Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-21

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 provides information about the usage of mechanical arm which is controlled by computers to perform tasks same as a human arm. Overall, it is apparent that there are three motors which are attach at three different points, this mechanical arm use for different purposes which is controlled digitally.

Firstly, computer is a main component which is use to control the mechanical arm to perform different tasks. There are three motors which are attach at different positions, first motor is connected at the shoulder points because it help in movement of arm and other is at elbow which gives flexibility to mechanical arm. The base of arm mostly permanently fixed with ground and occasionally movable. The pivot is attached which enable them to rotate properly.

Secondly, the third motor is attached just before the gripper there is also in-built sensors which control force to hold different gadgets by the mechanical arm. This mechanical arm use to do paint spray, drill holes and weld metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram’s main subject and include several relevant features: computer control, three motors, the base and pivot, the gripper’s sensors, and the alternative uses of spraying, drilling and welding. However, the account does not fully explain how the arm’s parts function or connect. The overview says the arm performs tasks “same as a human arm,” which is too broad, and the motor positions are partly misreported: the diagram links motors to the elbow, the arm section near the wrist, and the gripper, rather than placing one at the shoulder. The shoulder’s role in raising and lowering the arm and the wrist’s ability to flex or rotate are omitted. A more precise overview and accurate description of these functions would make the summary more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an opening overview followed by two paragraphs describing the components and uses. “Firstly” and “Secondly” help signal progression, and the reader can generally follow the description from computer control to the gripper and its applications. However, the sequence is not consistently spatial or functional: the first body paragraph moves between motors, shoulder, elbow, base and pivot, making the arm’s structure harder to picture. Some links are also unclear, as in “first motor is connected at the shoulder points” and “The pivot is attached which enable them.” Grouping the parts in the order they appear on the arm, and using clearer references between sentences, would improve the flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant task vocabulary, including “motors,” “shoulder,” “elbow,” “pivot,” “gripper” and “in-built sensors,” so the reader can recognise the main components. There is also some attempt to describe function through phrases such as “gives flexibility” and “control force.” However, several expressions are imprecise or repetitive, including “different tasks,” “different positions” and “different purposes.” Some word combinations are unnatural, such as “usage of mechanical arm” and “hold different gadgets,” and “permanently fixed with ground” does not express the diagram’s base description accurately. Choose more precise process language, such as “is mounted on,” “allows rotation” and “alternative end-effectors,” to describe the structure and functions more naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, and the overall meaning is usually recoverable. The opening “Overall, it is apparent that…” and the use of clauses such as “which control force” show some sentence variety. However, errors occur frequently in basic sentence construction and agreement. For example, “motors which are attach” needs a passive form, while “this mechanical arm use” and “it help” have incorrect verb forms. Articles and plurals are also inconsistent in “computer is a main component” and “at the shoulder points.” The sentence “The pivot is attached which enable them to rotate properly” has an unclear reference and agreement problem. Practise accurate passive constructions and subject–verb agreement, then check each sentence for complete, clearly linked clauses.

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