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 provided diagram illustrates the mechanism of work of a mechanical arm, and how the joints that make up the arm works similary as those in a human arm. there are three major motor components controlled by a computer.

overall, it can be noticed that the arm consists of three main motors controlled by a computer that makes the decision. the first motor presents near the shoulder, second motor is in the elbow, and the last motor located before the gripper.

the mechanical arm consists of a base which is mainly stable but sometimes can be movable. Then, above it presents a shoulder that control the up and down movment of the arm followed by a pivot enables the rotation of the arm. in addition, the elbow gives flexibility and facilitates the movement. Next to the elbow presents the wrist that allows the gripper or the alternative end effectors to rotate. Finally, present the gripper built in sensor that controls the force.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram as a mechanical arm and mention the computer-controlled motors, base, joints and gripper, so the response includes several relevant features. However, the account is only partly accurate and developed: the motors are not positioned as stated. The diagram shows three motors above the arm, with connections to the elbow, the arm section near the wrist, and the gripper—not one near the shoulder and another in the elbow. The overview also says the computer “makes the decision,” which is less precise than explaining that it controls the motors. You omit the alternative end-effectors and their uses, and the pivot’s position and function are not clearly related to the shoulder. Select the main features more accurately and compare the arm’s functions with human joints as the prompt requests.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic overall structure: an introduction and overview are followed by a description of the arm from its base towards the gripper. Sequencing words such as “Then,” “followed by,” “Next” and “Finally” help the reader follow this order. However, the progression is not consistently clear because the pivot and shoulder are described in an order that does not match their relationship in the diagram, and the motor overview is repeated from the introduction without adding much. Some links are awkward or incomplete, particularly “Next to the elbow presents the wrist” and “Finally, present the gripper.” Use clearer sentence links and refer explicitly to how each component connects to the next. A more distinct overview and a logically ordered body would make the organisation easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “mechanical arm,” “pivot,” “flexibility,” “gripper” and “end effectors,” which gives the description a suitable technical focus. However, the range is limited and several phrases are imprecise or unnatural, such as “mechanism of work,” “makes the decision” and “facilitates the movement.” There are also noticeable spelling and word-form errors, including “similary” and “movment,” which reduce accuracy. Aim for precise process-description collocations and check spelling, especially for key terms. For example, describe the computer as controlling the motors and the pivot as enabling rotation, rather than using general wording that does not clearly convey the diagram’s functions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts both simple and more extended sentence forms, including a sequence of clauses describing the components. However, grammatical errors are frequent, and some sentences are difficult to interpret. In the opening, “the joints … works” has a subject–verb agreement error, while “the first motor presents near the shoulder” lacks a correct verb construction. Other examples include “a shoulder that control” and “the wrist that allows … to rotate,” where agreement and sentence structure need attention. Articles and clause formation are also inconsistent, as in “Finally, present the gripper built in sensor.” Practise forming complete sentences with a clear subject and verb, and check agreement and articles. More accurate control of these basic patterns would make the technical information clearer.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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