Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-28

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 shows the components of the mechanical device and how it functions, just like the human arm. This mechanical device consists of three major components i.e. shoulder, elbow and gripper, which are similar to the human body hand, and are responsible for doing the task. The pivot component functions in order to rotate the arm of mechanical device in to and forth direction. Moreover, elbow does the movement done from the pivot point and are responsible for flexible movement. Furthermore, the wrist and the gripper are used collectively in order to rotate the arm of device and detects the sensor control force respectively. In addition, these three components are then attached with the identical but separte motors, which are responsible for the precision controls. These precision controls are then feed into the computer. These mechanical devices are used for the alternative end-effectors in order to spray paints, drill holes and weld metals.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify several relevant parts and functions, including the pivot’s rotation, the elbow’s flexibility, the wrist and gripper, and the alternative uses of spraying, drilling and welding. However, the account does not clearly summarise how the system is organised: the computer controls the motors, and the arm is mounted on a base with a shoulder that raises and lowers it. The statement that the device has “three major components” is misleading because it omits these other important parts, and the comparison with a human arm is asserted rather than explained. Some functions are also unclear, particularly “elbow does the movement done from the pivot point.” Covering the overall arrangement and describing the main functions more precisely would make the response more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response includes a sequence of related details, and linking expressions such as “Moreover,” “Furthermore” and “In addition” show an attempt to connect ideas. However, these transitions are used mechanically, and the paragraph does not establish a clear progression from the computer and motors through the arm to its applications. The relationship between the motors and computer is especially confusing: you say the components are attached to motors and then that “these precision controls are then feed into the computer,” whereas the diagram shows the computer controlling the motors. Some references, such as “these three components,” are also unclear. Grouping the information into a clear overview followed by the arm’s parts and functions would improve organisation.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a reasonable range of task-related vocabulary, including “pivot,” “precision controls,” “alternative end-effectors” and “flexible movement,” which helps communicate the subject. Some less common terms are attempted, but several choices are inaccurate or awkward: “human body hand” is not a natural way to describe the comparison, and “does the movement done from the pivot point” is imprecise. There are also spelling and word-form slips, including “separte” and “spray paints.” Prefer concise, accurate collocations such as “human arm,” “allows the arm to bend,” and “spray paint.” This would make the description more precise while retaining the useful technical vocabulary already present.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including clauses introduced by “which” and “in order to,” and the main meaning is generally recoverable. However, some sentence structures and agreement patterns are faulty. For example, “elbow does the movement … and are responsible” shifts from a singular subject to a plural verb, while “these precision controls are then feed into the computer” has an incorrect verb form. The phrase “in to and forth direction” also shows problems with grammatical phrasing and articles. Several sentences are long and combine multiple functions, making these errors more noticeable. Use shorter, controlled sentences and check subject–verb agreement and verb forms, especially when describing what each component does.

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