Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-05

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 given pictorial representation about the formation of rain-shadow deserts, which is type of desert.

Overall, this process of formation rain-shadow desert completed into 7 phases, which was embark with create wind in ocean and end with this dry winds reach above mountains to Inland site.

Initially, the direction of wind from seat to windward side, the wind pushed upwards from sea to mountain before the winds approaches on the sea. Then, beginning to rise air moisture and cool down the weather. Afterward, formation of clouds from moist air. The rain falls on top-notch of mountains which is spreads into thousands of kilometres,

Furthermore, after rains the wethers become dry and heats. In the sixth steps, the dry air continues flow from leeward sides. Before final stage process is, the dry winds reach to the land areas. Finally, near mountains Inland areas known as rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main stages of the process, the description is somewhat fragmented. You successfully highlight the transition from the windward side to the leeward side, but the explanation of the meteorological process is underdeveloped. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive overview of the entire cycle, including the specific roles of moisture and temperature changes, and ensure the response meets the length requirement to fully develop your ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical flow is hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of sophisticated cohesive devices. While you use some transition words like 'Initially', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally', the connections between sentences often feel mechanical or disjointed. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the phrase 'before the winds approaches on the sea', which confuses the sequence of events. Improving the use of linking phrases and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one will significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. There are several instances of word-choice errors and non-standard collocations, such as 'top-notch of mountains' (instead of 'peaks' or 'summits') and 'wethers become dry' (instead of 'weather'). You rely on basic descriptors, which restricts your ability to convey the process with precision. To reach a higher band, focus on using more academic and precise terminology related to geography and meteorology, such as 'precipitation', 'condensation', and 'arid conditions', rather than relying on general terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the reader's understanding. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'this process... completed into 7 phases'), incorrect verb tenses, and awkward sentence structures (e.g., 'which was embark with create wind'). The range of grammatical structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple or slightly flawed complex sentences. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb forms, and practicing the use of complex sentences to describe processes more accurately.

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

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