Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-13

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 diagram shows the formation of desert named as a rain shadow desert. That mountain is spreading into the thousands of kilometres space. Its a very long process for nature to form a rain shadow desert. It contains seven steps and all of them are mention in the upcoming paragraphs.

Firstly, the wind approach from the sea side and hits the mountain rocks. Because of that, the direction of the wind change from downwards to upwards into the sky with moist air and cools in it. Furthermore, that particles in the winds take form of clouds and in the result rain is starting fall from the sky on the mountain.

After the rain is over, the dry air that is forming continues to downward over the mountain and a part from this, it also contain dust particles with it and in the final stage when this dry air reach the surface, it finally form a rain shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response provides a basic overview of the process, but it fails to meet the requirements for a high-level academic report. While the main stages are identified, the description lacks the precision and analytical tone required for Task 1. The student describes the process in a narrative style rather than summarizing the key features of the diagram. Furthermore, the response includes unnecessary commentary, such as stating that the process is 'very long' and mentioning that the steps are in 'upcoming paragraphs,' which is not appropriate for a formal report. To improve, focus on describing the physical changes and the movement of air masses more objectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as 'a part from this' and 'in the result.' The progression of ideas is logical, but the transitions between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly in the final paragraph where the connection between the dry air and the resulting desert environment could be more explicitly linked to the diagram's visual information. Overall, the structure is functional but lacks the sophistication expected at higher bands.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'wind,' 'mountain,' and 'air.' There are several instances of imprecise word choice, such as 'approach' instead of 'approaches' and 'in the result' instead of 'as a result.' The phrasing 'spreading into the thousands of kilometres space' is unnatural and lacks the precision required for describing geographical or meteorological processes. To achieve a higher score, you should incorporate more specific terminology related to the process, such as 'moisture-laden,' 'precipitation,' 'leeward side,' or 'arid conditions,' and focus on more accurate collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'wind approach,' 'rain is starting fall'), article usage (e.g., 'the wind change'), and sentence structure (e.g., 'That mountain is spreading into the thousands of kilometres space'). The range of structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple or compound sentences with errors in tense and word form. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors prevents the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for subject-verb agreement would be highly beneficial.

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

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