Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-06

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 pictorial diagram presents the natural process of rain-shadow dessert formation, which is one of the type of dessert. The process is divided in seven simple stages.

The process starts with, wind approaching coast of sea and it pushed towards mountains in upward direction. As it moves in windward side moist in the air rises and cools. This process lead to clouds formation.

When rail falls, only the dry air flew over mountain. The dry air flow towards leeward side of mountain. After the long process dry wind reach to different inland areas. Which can be visible in diagram with small dots on land which is known as rain-shadow dessert. For this entire process the wind tent to travel thousands of kilometers.

Overall. it can be said that this process includes seven simple steps with the help of nature, like sea, wind, mountains and rain fall.

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 score. While the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation are identified, the description is somewhat superficial. The process is described in a linear fashion, but the explanation lacks the necessary detail and depth required for a high-band response. For instance, the distinction between the windward and leeward sides is mentioned but not fully explained in terms of the physical mechanism (e.g., the loss of moisture). Additionally, the response contains a spelling error in the first sentence ('dessert' instead of 'desert'), which is a recurring issue throughout the text.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into short paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, the logical progression is somewhat disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is limited and occasionally mechanical, such as 'The process starts with' and 'After the long process'. Some sentences are fragmented or lack clear logical links, such as 'Which can be visible in diagram with small dots on land which is known as rain-shadow dessert.' This makes the flow of information feel slightly repetitive and underdeveloped. Improving the use of transition words and ensuring that each sentence connects smoothly to the next would significantly improve the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The range of vocabulary is limited and repetitive. The student frequently uses the word 'process' and incorrectly spells 'desert' as 'dessert' throughout the text. There is a lack of precise scientific or descriptive terminology related to geography or meteorology, which is expected for this type of task. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning, it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands. The student relies on simple, everyday language rather than more sophisticated academic vocabulary that would better suit the description of a natural phenomenon.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'one of the type of dessert' (should be 'types of deserts'), 'This process lead to' (should be 'leads to'), and 'When rail falls' (should be 'rain'). There are also issues with article usage and verb tense consistency. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors is noticeable and occasionally distracts the reader. To improve, the student should focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed accurately.

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

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