Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · 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 4.0)
In this graph we have to summarize the rain shadow desert in mountain how its formation 1000 of kilometers
Near the sea when the weather is disturbed the winds always hit the mountains badly the winds pushed upwards to mountain on the windward side moist air raises and make a form of clouds
TO Heavy rain and falls on mountain and in this weather the hiking is also not safe the dray air continuous over mountain till leeward side
The dry winds reach the inland areas that's how the rain shadow desert gone through from thousands of kilometers
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.0 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 98 words. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While the student identifies the core topic—the formation of a rain-shadow desert—the explanation is fragmented and lacks the necessary detail to fully describe the process shown in the diagram. Key features such as the transition from moist air to dry air and the specific geographical stages are mentioned but not developed. The response lacks a clear overview or summary of the main features, which is essential for an Academic Task 1 report.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.0
The response is organized into short, disjointed paragraphs, but there is no logical progression of ideas. The use of cohesive devices is almost entirely absent, making the text feel like a series of disconnected sentences rather than a cohesive report. For example, the transition between the windward side and the leeward side is abrupt and lacks linking words to guide the reader through the process. The referencing is also unclear, and the overall structure does not facilitate a smooth flow of information.
Lexical Resource — Band 4.0
The vocabulary is very limited and often inaccurate. Phrases like 'weather is disturbed' and 'hit the mountains badly' are not appropriate for an academic report. There is a lack of technical terminology related to the diagram, such as 'prevailing winds,' 'condensation,' 'precipitation,' or 'leeward/windward slopes.' The word choice is basic and repetitive, and the misuse of terms like 'gone through' to describe a geographical process hinders clarity. The student struggles to express scientific concepts with precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.0
The grammatical range is very limited, consisting mostly of simple, poorly constructed sentences. There are frequent errors in tense, word order, and sentence structure, such as 'moist air raises and make a form of clouds' and 'the dray air continuous over mountain.' Punctuation is largely ignored, and the lack of complex structures makes the writing feel rudimentary. These errors are frequent and often impede the reader's understanding of the intended meaning, particularly in the description of the atmospheric process.
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