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 diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed, from the movement of moist air over a mountain range to the development of a dry area inland.

Overall, the process include seven stages start from winds approach cost and most air rises and cools that make clouds and due to this clouds Rain falls. That's why dry winds reach inland areas.

Initially, winds from the sea approach the coast and that pushed upward toward mountains. It make most air cools. As a result cloud form above the windward side of the mountains.

Finally, the clouds then produce the rainfall on Windward side. That's why dry air continues over the mountains toward leeward side. As a result dry wind reach the inland areas. That's why

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. While you have identified the main features of the process, the explanation is incomplete and ends abruptly with an unfinished sentence. To improve, ensure you fully describe the entire cycle shown in the diagram and provide a more detailed summary. The current length is insufficient to cover all parts of the task adequately, leading to an under-developed response that does not fully explain the transition from the windward to the leeward side.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, the progression of ideas is hindered by the abrupt ending and the repetitive use of 'That's why' as a cohesive device. While there is an attempt to use linking words like 'Initially' and 'As a result', the overall flow is mechanical. To improve, vary your cohesive devices and ensure that each paragraph transitions logically to the next without relying on repetitive sentence starters.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for describing a process, but it is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases such as 'most air' (likely meant 'moist air') and 'winds approach cost' (likely 'coast') indicate issues with word choice and spelling. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise terminology related to geography and meteorology, such as 'prevailing winds,' 'precipitation,' 'moisture-laden,' or 'arid conditions.' Expanding your range of vocabulary will help you describe the process with greater accuracy and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('the process include', 'cloud form') and incorrect verb forms ('that pushed', 'most air cools'). The sentence structures are relatively simple, and the lack of control over basic grammar occasionally impedes the clarity of the explanation. To improve, focus on mastering subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing scientific processes. Proofreading for basic errors like missing articles and incorrect verb tenses will also help improve your score.

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

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