Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-27

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 pictures present the information about how the mechanical arm works and how the joints make up the arms function in the same way as those in a human arm.

Overall, we can observe that the mechanical arm is fully dependent on the computer whereas, the human arm is in control of onself only.

Firstly, there are total three motors which is precisely controlled by computer and also that all three are connected to different part of the machine. Moreover, one motor is attched to the shoulder which raises the lower arm and to pivot which allows arm to rotate . Second motor is joint with the elbow of machine which allows movement and provide flexibility.

Now, the last motor is connected to the gripper which is built to control the sensor force and also to the wrist which permits the gripper to rotate. The alternative end effector works according to the movement of the human arm it spray paints, drill holes and weld metals

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram’s main subject and report several relevant features, including the computer-controlled motors, the elbow’s flexibility, the wrist’s movement, and the gripper. However, the account only partly covers how the arm is arranged and operates. The overview contrasts computer control with human control, but the diagram does not show a human arm or explain its control; it instead compares the functions of mechanical joints with human joints. Some connections are also misreported: the shoulder and pivot are not described as being attached to one motor, and the three motors’ links are assigned inaccurately. The alternative tools are mentioned, but their role as interchangeable end-effectors could be clearer. A more accurate overview and fuller description of the base, shoulder, pivot, and motor connections would strengthen the response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic sequence, moving from an overview to the motors and then to the gripper and alternative end-effectors. Words such as “Firstly,” “Moreover,” and “Now” help signal progression, so the reader can follow the general topic. However, the organisation is not consistently clear: the motor connections are grouped in a way that makes it difficult to understand which motor controls which part, and the final sentence combines the end-effectors’ function with a comparison to human-arm movement. The paragraphing is also limited, and some linking phrases feel mechanical rather than showing precise relationships. Grouping the overview separately, then describing the arm from base to gripper, would create clearer progression and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant technical vocabulary, including “motors,” “pivot,” “gripper,” “wrist,” and “end effector,” which helps convey the diagram’s subject. However, the range and control are limited, with noticeable spelling and word-choice problems that sometimes make the meaning unclear. For example, “control the sensor force” does not accurately express that sensors regulate the force applied by the gripper, while “the lower arm” is not a clear description of the shoulder’s function. “The alternative end effector works according to the movement” is also vague. Use precise verbs such as “rotate,” “raise,” and “lower,” and describe the tools as alternative attachments used for specific tasks. Check spelling and standard forms of technical terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, and the response includes some subordinate clauses, such as “which allows movement and provide flexibility.” However, errors in sentence structure and agreement are frequent enough to make several relationships difficult to follow. For example, “there are total three motors which is precisely controlled” has problems with the article and subject–verb agreement; “one motor is attched … and to pivot” does not form a clear grammatical connection; and “it spray paints, drill holes and weld metals” shifts between singular and plural verb forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, including missing full stops and spaces around clauses. Practise accurate subject–verb agreement and build shorter, complete sentences before combining ideas.

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