Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-04

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 outlines the sequence of stages involved in the natural cycle of rain-shadow deserts.

Overall, the cycle involves mainly seven distinct steps of the natural development process. It begins with, formation of wind and concludes by drying winds, after which the phases are repeated.

The process begins with, coast is approached by winds, after winds are moved on the upper surface of the mountains. Initially, Winds are cool and increase moisture in air. Afterwards, clouds are formed, once this stage is complete, rain falls is occurred by clouds.

During the next stages, dry air continuously dropped in surface of mountain specifically in leeward side. In the next stage, winds are reached in the inland areas. in the meantime, rain-shadow is created by dry wind, the whole process required kilometers

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have attempted to outline the stages of the process, the description is quite brief and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the formation of a rain-shadow desert. Key features, such as the specific role of the mountain range as a barrier or the contrast between the windward and leeward sides, are under-developed. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview of the data presented in the diagram and expand on the causal relationships between the stages to reach the required length.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical flow is hindered by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. While you use some cohesive devices like 'Initially' and 'Afterwards', the transitions between sentences often feel mechanical or forced. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the phrase 'the whole process required kilometers', which does not logically connect to the preceding information. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence builds clearly upon the previous one will help create a more cohesive and professional-sounding report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

Your vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You rely heavily on basic verbs like 'moved', 'increased', and 'created'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'rain falls is occurred' and 'dry air continuously dropped in surface', which are not natural English expressions. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to use more precise, academic vocabulary related to geographical processes, such as 'precipitation', 'condensation', 'prevailing winds', or 'topographical barrier'. Focusing on accurate collocations will also help improve the clarity and sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with passive voice construction, such as 'rain falls is occurred by clouds' and 'coast is approached by winds', which are grammatically incorrect. Additionally, there are errors in preposition usage and sentence structure, such as 'winds are reached in the inland areas'. While you attempt to use complex structures, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence patterns and ensuring subject-verb agreement. Practising the correct use of the passive voice, which is essential for describing processes, will be particularly beneficial.

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

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