Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

The given picture illustrates how the mechanical arm works and shows its processes. It is controlled by a computer that directs motors. It is connected with three different motors to function. The first motor on the left side moves the shoulder and raises or lowers its arms, when needed. Similarly, the motor attached in the middle helps in movement of elbow. Additionally, the motor attached on the right side grips the sensors to control the exertion of force. The wrist of the sensors allow gripper to turn around, if needed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.5

You identify the computer and its three motors, and you attempt to describe how parts of the arm move. However, several relationships are misreported: the left motor is linked to the elbow, not the shoulder; the middle motor connects near the wrist; and the right motor is associated with the gripper’s force sensors, rather than gripping the sensors. The response also omits major features, including the base and pivot, the shoulder’s role, and the alternative tools for spraying, drilling and welding. There is no clear overview of the arm’s main components or its range of uses. At 90 words, the response is also substantially below the required 150 words, leaving the task only minimally covered. Describe the diagram’s overall structure, then report the key functions accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic sequence: it introduces computer control, then describes motors and moves on to the wrist and gripper. Linking expressions such as “Similarly” and “Additionally” help signal the next point, so the information is not entirely disconnected. However, the progression is difficult to follow because the parts are not described in a clear physical order, and some references are unclear—for example, “the wrist of the sensors” does not make the relationship between the wrist, sensors and gripper understandable. The response is also presented as one short paragraph, with no separate overview. Organise the description from the base and shoulder up to the gripper, and use clear references to each component.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant topic vocabulary, including “mechanical arm,” “motors,” “shoulder,” “wrist,” “gripper” and “force.” This gives the reader a basic sense of the subject. However, the range is limited, and several word choices or combinations are inaccurate: “grips the sensors” suggests the gripper holds the sensors, while the diagram says sensors control the force applied by the gripper. “Exertion of force” is also less natural here than a concise description of controlling grip force. Use precise verbs for each function, such as “rotate,” “raise,” “lower” and “control,” and include terms for omitted components and end-effectors. This would make the account more accurate and less repetitive.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You produce several understandable simple sentences and attempt a more complex structure with “when needed” and “if needed.” The main message—that a computer controls motors and the arm has moving parts—can generally be followed. However, some sentence structures and agreement are inaccurate. In “The first motor … moves the shoulder and raises or lowers its arms,” the pronoun “its” has an unclear reference, and “arms” does not agree with the singular mechanical arm being described. In “The wrist of the sensors allow,” the subject is unclear and the verb does not agree with the singular “wrist.” The comma before “when needed” is unnecessary. Use direct subject–verb patterns, such as “The shoulder raises and lowers the arm,” and vary sentence forms while checking agreement and punctuation.

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