Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-12

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 diagrammatic chart illustrate how rain shadow desert is formed by one type. The formation of rain- shadow and main features and relevant information about the deserts will discuss in this passage.

From the first glimpse of the diagram, it is abundantly clear that the winds is approach cost over the sea level and then, winds push upwards. Then, it goes up wards and moist air rises and it is cools and the clouds was formed further, the from the top of the mountain the rain falls.

After this, in the leeward side of the mountain the dry air continues over mountain then, the dry winds were reached inland area over the rain- shadow desert.

Overall, all the steps of the process are important as interlinked with each other. Omission of even a single step would halt the whole procedure.

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 the report attempts to describe the process of rain-shadow desert formation, the summary is underdeveloped and lacks sufficient detail regarding the specific stages shown in the diagram. The overview provided is too brief and does not effectively highlight the main features or the contrast between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain. To improve, you must expand on the descriptions of the physical processes, such as the cooling of air and the specific impact of the mountain barrier, while ensuring you meet the minimum length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical flow is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices like 'From the first glimpse', 'After this', and 'Then' is repetitive and basic. The final paragraph is unnecessary as it provides a general comment rather than summarizing the information presented in the diagram. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph transitions smoothly into the next, creating a more cohesive narrative of the process described in the visual data.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms such as 'goes up', 'formed', and 'falls'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'diagrammatic chart' and 'winds is approach cost'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe a scientific process with precision. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific terminology such as 'precipitation', 'condensation', 'leeward', 'windward', and 'moisture-laden air'. Expanding your range to include more academic collocations will significantly enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, particularly with subject-verb agreement and tense consistency. Examples include 'winds is approach', 'clouds was formed', and 'dry winds were reached'. The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. The errors occasionally make the meaning slightly difficult to follow. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and ensure consistent verb tenses when describing a process. Additionally, try to incorporate more complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or passive voice, to describe the scientific stages more accurately.

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

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