Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-15

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 figer represent the steps of a rain that change the inland place in shadow desert.

Overall,The main point of this figer is "how a green place which is known as inlad place convert into shadow desert.The main steps of place convert into desert is these.

First, wind start form sea level and then it pushed upward in next step the normal air change into cold air and then it convert into clouds so the rain fall front side of mountain which is known as windward side .

The next step rain falling down the front side of mountain and the dry air move on the other side of mountain which is known as leeward side so many kilometers of distence the air change in hot condition so the place which is known as inland area change into desert and this place known as a rain shadow desert

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation are identified, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks the analytical depth required for an Academic Task 1 response. The explanation of the process is fragmented, and the summary of the diagram's progression is not fully developed. To improve, you must ensure you reach the word count and provide a more cohesive, step-by-step explanation of the scientific process depicted in the diagram, ensuring all key stages are clearly linked and described with greater precision.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organized into short paragraphs, but the flow of ideas is disjointed. The use of cohesive devices is very limited and often mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'the next step' and 'which is known as'. The transition between the windward side and the leeward side lacks logical connectors, making the progression of the process feel abrupt. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect sentences and ideas more naturally, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive, with several spelling errors such as 'figer' instead of 'figure' and 'inlad' instead of 'inland'. There is a lack of precise scientific terminology related to the process, such as 'moisture-laden air', 'condensation', or 'precipitation'. The phrasing is often awkward, such as 'wind start form sea level'. To improve, you should aim to use more specific vocabulary related to geography and climate processes and pay closer attention to spelling and word choice to ensure your writing sounds more professional and accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with subject-verb agreement ('wind start'), tense consistency, and article usage. Sentence structures are predominantly simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas and capitalization. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring verbs agree with their subjects, and practicing the use of complex structures like relative clauses or passive voice, which are essential for describing processes in Task 1.

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

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