Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-14

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)

This diagram explains the process of how a particular type of desert known as rain-shadow desert, is form.

Overall, The formation of rain-shadow deserts have 7 process, wind, mountain and rain plays the lead factor to form a rain-shadow desert.

At first the wind approaches coast from sea side after that it collides with The mountains, then wind are pushed upwards, the air that is pushed upward is moist and cools after rising ,after that the clouds are formed over top of the mountains ,then rain starts to fall.

After the rainfall the dry air continues to flow over the mountains and reaches the inland area rain-shadow desert is formed

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While the main features of the diagram are identified, the description is overly simplistic and lacks the necessary detail and analytical depth expected for an Academic Task 1 response. The process is described in a very basic manner, and there is a lack of clear comparison or synthesis of the information provided in the diagram. To improve, you must expand on the stages of the process and ensure you meet the length requirement to allow for a full development of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organized into short paragraphs, but the flow between ideas is mechanical and repetitive. The use of cohesive devices is limited to basic sequencing words like 'at first', 'after that', and 'then', which makes the writing feel disjointed. There is no clear progression of ideas, and the paragraphing is not used effectively to structure the information. To improve, you should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect sentences and ideas more naturally, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'wind', 'mountain', 'rain', and 'formed'. There is little attempt to use academic or descriptive language appropriate for a process diagram. Some word choices are imprecise, such as 'lead factor' instead of 'primary factor' or 'key element'. To improve, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to geography and meteorological processes, and avoid repeating the same words throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('wind are pushed', 'formation... have 7 process') and article usage ('the wind approaches coast'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with unnecessary spaces before commas and periods. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and sentence structure. Aim to incorporate more complex sentence forms, such as relative clauses or passive voice, to describe the process more accurately.

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

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