Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-03
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 process diagram illustrates how a rain-shadow desert is formed.
Overall, it is evident that this process consists of seven stages, starting with winds approaching the coastal area and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas.
In addition, it is a natural process that describes the air quality.
In detail, when winds move towards the coastal areas, they absorb moisture from the sea. Secondly, these winds hit the mountains and are pushed upwards. Following this, as the air rises along the windward side of the mountain, it gradually cools due to decreased in temperature at high altitudes. After that,
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the required word count of 150 words, reaching only 99 words. Because the response is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence, it fails to provide a full summary of the process, missing the crucial stages involving the rain-shadow effect on the leeward side of the mountain. While the introduction and initial steps are clear, the failure to complete the task significantly impacts the score. To improve, you must ensure you describe all stages shown in the diagram and provide a complete overview of the entire process.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response uses some cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In addition', and 'Secondly' to organize the initial information. However, because the text is incomplete and ends abruptly, the overall logical progression is interrupted. The paragraphing is also insufficient, as the response is too short to demonstrate effective structure. To improve, ensure you complete your description of the process and use a wider range of linking words to connect the stages of the diagram more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is generally appropriate for the task, with terms like 'coastal area', 'moisture', 'windward side', and 'altitudes'. However, the range is limited due to the brevity of the response. There is a minor error in the phrase 'describes the air quality', which does not accurately reflect the content of the diagram. To achieve a higher score, you should aim to use more precise technical vocabulary related to meteorological processes and ensure your word choices are consistently accurate.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The grammar is generally accurate in the sentences provided, such as 'when winds move towards the coastal areas, they absorb moisture'. There is a minor error in 'decreased in temperature', which should be 'decreased temperature' or 'a decrease in temperature'. The range of structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple and compound sentences. To improve, you should aim to incorporate more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice, which is often useful when describing scientific processes.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.