Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-24

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 series of diagram illustrates the process of how a mechanical arm works, and how the joints that make the mechanical arm function similar to the human arm.

In general the mechanical arm performs actions by the help of different motors which connects and powers different joints. The motors are controlled by a computer.This arm can further perform tasks such as spray paints, drill holes and weld metals.

The overall process is controlled by the help of computer for precise control of the motors. The mechanical arm is consist of three motors. The first one is connected to the shoulder which raises and lower the arm moment, the second motor powers the elbow of the arm which allows the elbow movements and provides flexibility, the third motor powers the gripper which has built-in sensors which helps in controlling the force of the the gripper. This is the complete process of how a mechanical arm operates and some important key factors which when precisely controlled by a computer, can perform tasks as compared to a human arm in a efficient manner.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram’s main purpose, mention computer control, and give relevant examples of alternative tasks such as spraying, drilling and welding. However, the description does not accurately cover several important features. The diagram shows three motors linked respectively to the elbow, the arm section near the wrist, and the gripper—not to the shoulder, elbow and gripper as stated. The pivot and wrist functions, the base, and the comparison with human joints are also omitted or only implied. The overview is relevant but broad, and the final claim that the arm works more efficiently than a human is not supported by the diagram. To strengthen the response, report the labelled components and their functions more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, a general overview, and a paragraph describing the motors and components. This gives the reader a basic route through the information. However, progression is limited because the final paragraph repeats the idea of computer control and ends with a general conclusion rather than completing a clear description of the arm’s layout. Linking phrases such as “The first one” and “the second motor” help sequence details, but the motor-to-component relationships are not consistently clear. The overview and body could be organised more logically by moving from the computer and motors to the base, joints, wrist and gripper, then noting the alternative end-effectors.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of task-related vocabulary, including “motors,” “joints,” “flexibility,” “built-in sensors” and “precise control.” These terms make the topic clear, and the examples of spraying, drilling and welding are relevant. Some word choices and collocations are less natural or imprecise, however: “by the help of” would be better as “with the help of” or “through,” while “spray paints” and “weld metals” do not describe the diagram’s examples naturally. “The mechanical arm is consist of” also reflects an incorrect word form. Aim for precise labels and natural technical phrasing, such as “the arm consists of three motors” and “the gripper’s sensors regulate force.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mixture of simple and complex sentences, including a relative clause in “the gripper which has built-in sensors” and a longer sentence explaining the motors’ functions. Meaning is generally understandable, but some errors in agreement, verb forms, articles and punctuation reduce accuracy. For example, “motors which connects” should be “motors which connect,” and “raises and lower” should be “raises and lowers.” The construction “is consist of” should be “consists of,” while “a efficient manner” needs “an efficient manner.” There is also a missing space after the full stop in “computer.This,” and the final sentence is overloaded, making its grammatical relationships unclear. Use shorter, controlled sentences alongside complex ones.

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