Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-25

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 given diagram illustrates 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.

Overal, it is clear that the computer control all the motors of mechanical arm. Futhermore, it consists of different parts that make arm able to move in different directions.

Looking first at the arm, it can be seen that the base of the arm is usually stationary and occasionally movable. The first motor allows shoulder to raise or lower the arm and the pivot enables arm to rotate. The second motor allows movement of arm elbow which make it more flexible, while the wrist part of the arm allows gripper to flex or rotate.

Turning to function of third motor, it contains built-in sensors to control the force. Lastly, the computer work as controller of all the motors. The overall function of mechanical arm is to work as alternative end-effectors that can be used to spray paint, drill holes and weld, metal.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main components and several functions, including the base, pivot, shoulder, elbow, wrist and gripper, and you mention the alternative uses of spraying, drilling and welding. However, the account is incomplete and contains a key misattribution: the third motor does not contain the sensors; the gripper has built-in sensors, while the computer controls the motors. The overview is also broad rather than clearly summarising how the system operates. The response is 146 words, below the required 150, and 25 words copied from the prompt were not counted. Add a little more accurate detail about the computer’s control of the motors and the arm’s sequence of joints, and ensure the final response meets the minimum length.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, a brief overview, and paragraphs describing the arm and its functions. Sequencing phrases such as “Looking first” and “Lastly” help guide the reader. However, progression is not always clear: the discussion moves from the base and joints to the third motor, then returns to the computer, which was already mentioned in the overview. Some links are also awkward or unclear, particularly “Turning to function of third motor,” and the final sentence combines the gripper’s function with the alternative end-effectors without a clear distinction. Organise the description in the order of the diagram, from computer and motors through the joints to the end-effector, and use references that make each component’s role explicit.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant task vocabulary, including “pivot,” “flexible,” “built-in sensors,” “alternative end-effectors,” and the specific actions “spray paint, drill holes and weld.” This gives the description a suitable technical focus. However, the range is limited and some word choices or collocations are inaccurate, such as “the computer control all the motors” and “work as alternative end-effectors.” Spelling errors in “Overal” and “Futhermore” also reduce accuracy. Aim for more precise descriptions, for example, say that the computer “controls” the motors and that the arm “can be fitted with” alternative end-effectors. Check spelling and use consistent terms for the arm’s components.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses with “while” and “which,” and most of the intended meaning can be followed. However, errors in agreement, articles and sentence construction recur. For example, “the computer control” should use a singular verb, and “which make it more flexible” needs agreement with “which” referring to the elbow’s movement. Several noun phrases omit articles, as in “allows shoulder to raise or lower the arm” and “enables arm to rotate.” The final sentence is also structurally unclear because “work as” does not connect correctly to “alternative end-effectors.” Practise checking subject–verb agreement and articles, and make sure each sentence clearly identifies the component performing the action.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.