Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-10-31

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 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.

Overall, The diagram compared the mechanisam of mechanical arm works and human arm. Whereas the mechanical arms are conrolled by the computer with precision control of motors while the tradional arm which also know as human arm ontrolled by humans.

Looking at the mechanical arm first, the arm is mainly controlled by computer and the computer machine is connected to three motors and each motor is connected to the specific areas of the mechanical arm. The first motor is connected to the shoulder of the arm and it helps to raise and lower the arm. Pivot can be seen on the left side of the shoulder, which enables the arm to rotate in a circular motion. The shoulder and pivot are placed on the base ( which is usually staionary or ocassionaly movable.

The second motor is usally the elbow which allows movement and give much more felxibilty to the wirst. followed by the next motor which is the gripper and it is built in sensors which controls the force, wirst alows the gripprt to flex or rotate.

In contrast, a human arm is used by the humans for spray pain, drill holes or weld the metals.

In conlsuion, the human arm is controlled by the humans to do a small works while the mechanical arm is programmed by computer to do the bigger projects in less time with 100 percent accuracy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram’s subject and include several relevant components, such as the computer, motors, pivot, base, shoulder, elbow and gripper. However, the account misreports important connections: the first motor is linked to the elbow, not the shoulder, and the second motor connects near the wrist rather than being the elbow itself. The comparison with a human arm is also misunderstood: spray painting, drilling and welding are shown as tasks for alternative mechanical end-effectors, not as uses of a human arm. The final claim about “bigger projects” and “100 percent accuracy” is not supported by the diagram. A clearer overview and accurate description of the arm’s structure and interchangeable tools would make the response more complete and relevant.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure, moving from an introduction and overview to details and a concluding paragraph. Paragraphing helps separate the main sections, and phrases such as “Looking at the mechanical arm first” and “In contrast” attempt to guide the reader. However, progression is weakened by inaccurate or unclear links between components, especially when the motors are described as the shoulder, elbow and gripper themselves. The contrast paragraph introduces a mistaken human-arm comparison, while the conclusion repeats unsupported claims rather than summarising the diagram. Some sentences also run several details together, making relationships difficult to follow. Organise the body by tracing the arm from its base to its end-effector, then describe the alternative tools separately.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some task-related vocabulary, including “pivot,” “gripper,” “sensors,” “flex” and “rotate,” which helps convey the diagram’s subject. However, the range is limited and several word-choice or spelling errors make parts difficult to understand: “mechanisam,” “conrolled,” “felxibilty,” “wirst” and “gripprt.” Some expressions are also imprecise, such as “the second motor is usually the elbow” and “small works,” where the intended meaning is unclear or unnatural. Repeated use of “arm” and “motor” further limits variety. Build accuracy with the diagram’s labels and use precise verbs for connections and functions, such as “is attached to,” “raises,” and “controls.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, and the opening sentence clearly introduces the topic. However, complex sentences are often faulty, and errors in agreement, articles, verb forms and punctuation occur frequently enough to interrupt reading. For example, “the computer machine is connected to three motors and each motor is connected” repeats a structure without clear control, while “the gripper and it is built in sensors which controls the force” has unclear clause structure and subject–verb agreement. The overview also contains a sentence fragment-like construction beginning “Whereas,” and inconsistent capitalisation and missing closing punctuation affect clarity. Use shorter, complete sentences and check that each verb agrees with its subject.

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