Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-26

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 illustrates the mechanism of mechanical arm which is operated by software from the computer. As we can see, there are three motors in the mechanical arm, first is located in the base of the arm so it can raise or lower its shoulder with the help of pivot. Then the second motor is connected at the elbow of the mechanical arm which enables it to move and gives flexibility. And at the end there's third and last motor which is located near the gtipper after the wrist of arm ends, it gives power to the gripper in order to control force with the help of buit-in sensors.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

You identify the computer control and several arm components, including the elbow, wrist, gripper and sensors, so the response is relevant to the diagram. However, it reports only a small part of the information and does not provide a clear overview of how the arm is arranged or what it can do. Some details are mislocated: the first motor is not described as being in the base; the diagram shows motors linked to the elbow, arm section near the wrist, and gripper. The pivot enables rotation, while the shoulder raises and lowers the arm. You also omit the alternative end-effectors and their uses. The response is 109 words, below the required 150. To improve, cover the main structure and functions accurately, including the interchangeable tools, and add a concise overview.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response follows a basic sequence, moving from the computer to the motors and then to the gripper, and linking phrases such as “Then” and “And at the end” help signal order. This gives the reader a general sense of progression. However, the information is presented as one long paragraph and largely as a single extended sentence, so the relationships between the components are not always easy to follow. The repeated “first,” “second,” and “third and last” structure also makes the account feel list-like rather than organised around the arm’s overall layout and functions. Use separate sentences or paragraphs for the control system, arm joints, and end-effectors, and use clear references such as “the forearm” or “this joint” to guide the reader.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a reasonable range of task-related vocabulary, including “mechanism,” “motor,” “elbow,” “flexibility,” “pivot,” and “built-in sensors.” These terms help communicate the subject, and the meaning is generally understandable. Some choices are imprecise or awkward, however: “operated by software from the computer” is less direct than describing the computer as controlling the motors, while “gives power to the gripper in order to control force” does not clearly express the sensor function. There are also spelling errors in “gtipper” and “buit-in,” which reduce accuracy. Aim for precise technical collocations and check spelling carefully. You could also broaden the vocabulary by including terms such as “rotate,” “raise and lower,” and “alternative end-effector,” all of which fit the diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, particularly through clauses such as “so it can raise or lower its shoulder” and “which enables it to move.” The main meaning remains understandable, but some grammatical errors occur. For example, “mechanism of mechanical arm” needs an article, and “first is located” would be clearer as “the first is located.” The sentence beginning “As we can see” runs through several components with limited punctuation, making its structure difficult to control. “After the wrist of arm ends” also has an unclear grammatical relationship. Use articles consistently, divide long sentences, and check that each clause has a clear subject and verb. These changes would make your descriptions more accurate without sacrificing complex sentence forms.

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