Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-13

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The formation of rain-shadow deserts

Student answer (Band 5.0)

The diagram compirates that how one kind of dessert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is made.

It is manifest that how the formation of rain-shadow deserts. All the process consist of seven steps. It starts from wind coast and then it convert in moist air and after that clouds make and rain falls.

On the one hand, whole process starts from sea water and then sea water move upward through wind coast on mountains whereas wind blow in upward direction. Now wind moist and become cool after a long period it convert into clouds. Whole the process move through windward side to leeward side and move on the mountains.

On the other hand when clouds fully prepare for rain then rain falls it is the last part but after some time whole the process repeats and dry air continues move through down to mountains. The last step is that dry wind reachs inland areas and it is time when whole process are reversed into moist wind and in clouds.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You identify the subject and give a basic sequence, including wind approaching the coast, cloud formation, rainfall and dry air reaching inland. However, the account only minimally explains the diagram’s key cause-and-effect stages. For example, “sea water move upward” misrepresents the process: it is moist air carried by wind that rises over the mountains, cools and forms clouds. The overview is also unclear and does not accurately summarise how rain on the windward side leaves dry air to create a rain-shadow desert on the leeward side. The claim that the process “repeats” and is “reversed into moist wind” is not shown. To strengthen the response, describe the stages precisely and explain the contrast between the wet windward slope and dry inland area.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

The response has paragraph breaks and attempts to guide the reader with “On the one hand” and “On the other hand,” so there is some organisation. It also follows a rough beginning-to-end sequence. However, the progression is difficult to follow because the stages are grouped imprecisely, and the contrast markers do not express a meaningful contrast between two sides of the process. Phrases such as “whole the process move through windward side to leeward side” leave the relationship between stages unclear, while “after some time” introduces an unsupported repetition. Organise the description in the diagram’s actual order, using clear links such as “as a result,” “then,” and “finally,” and use paragraphs to separate the overview from the detailed sequence.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “clouds,” “rain falls,” “dry air,” and “inland areas,” which helps identify the topic. However, the range is limited and several inaccurate or misspelled choices make the description less clear. “Dessert” is confused with “desert,” “compirates” does not convey the intended meaning, and “clouds fully prepare for rain” is an unnatural way to describe cloud formation and precipitation. Repetition of “whole process” and “move” also limits precision. Aim to use accurate terms from the diagram and natural collocations, such as “air rises,” “cools,” “precipitation occurs,” and “dry winds travel inland.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, including clauses linked with “whereas,” “after,” and “when.” However, errors are frequent, and some sentences are difficult to interpret. Examples include “All the process consist,” “sea water move upward,” and “dry wind reachs,” where subject–verb agreement is not controlled. Verb forms and sentence construction are also problematic in “it convert in moist air” and “dry air continues move through down to mountains.” Articles and prepositions are often missing or incorrectly used, as in “starts from wind coast.” Work first on forming clear subject–verb sentences and using consistent present simple for a process description; then practise joining stages with accurate subordinate clauses.

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