Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-09

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 process chart demonstrate the formation of desert known as rain-shadow.

Overall, The are multiple processes interconnected begin with wind approach coast and it transform in cloud form before finished with dry wind.

initially, wind passes through sea and it move to upward direction where moist air rises and cools before transformed into clouds form. Afterwards, rain fall begin in windward side and dry air continuous moves towards leeward side before reaching the initial area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 75 words. Consequently, the information provided is significantly underdeveloped. While the student attempts to describe the process, the lack of detail regarding the specific stages—such as the role of the mountain range, the specific temperature changes, or the contrast between the windward and leeward sides—means the task is only partially addressed. To improve, the student must expand on the provided information, ensuring all key features of the diagram are described in detail to meet the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into short paragraphs, and there is a basic attempt at logical progression using transition words like 'initially' and 'afterwards'. However, the cohesion is mechanical and the limited length prevents the development of a clear, coherent flow of information. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as the phrase 'reaching the initial area', which does not accurately reflect the process shown in the diagram. Improving the use of cohesive devices and ensuring a more logical, detailed sequence of events would enhance the overall structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. There are several errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'wind approach coast' instead of 'wind approaches the coast' and 'cloud form' instead of 'cloud formation'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe a technical process effectively. To reach a higher band, the student should focus on using more precise terminology related to geography and weather processes, such as 'moisture-laden', 'precipitation', and 'topographical barrier', while ensuring correct word forms are used.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The process chart demonstrate'), missing articles ('passes through sea'), and awkward phrasing ('rain fall begin'). There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the existing sentences are simple and often grammatically incomplete. To improve, the student needs to focus on basic sentence construction, including correct verb tenses, article usage, and subject-verb agreement, before attempting more complex grammatical structures.

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

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