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 diagram illustrates how rain-shadow deserts are formed, from winds which approach coast from sea to dry winds which reach inland areas.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with winds that approach coast and ending with dry winds that reach inland areas, through thousands of kilometers between the first and the final stages. It is a linear process involving all natural stages.

The process begins when winds approach coast, coming from the sea, and ascending on the windward side of mountain, then pushed upwards of the mountains. Once moist air rises and cools, the clouds are formed. Therefore, the rain falls.

Following this, the dry air continues over mountain descending on the leeward side of mountain, after which it is dry winds reach inland areas. Finally, the rain-shadow desert is formulated.

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 ability to fully develop the description of the process. While the main stages of the rain-shadow effect are identified, the explanation lacks the necessary detail and depth required for a high band score. The summary is somewhat repetitive, and the analysis of the diagram is quite basic. To improve, you must expand on the physical processes described in the diagram, such as the specific temperature changes or the contrast between the windward and leeward sides, to ensure the response is sufficiently comprehensive and meets the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Following this', 'Finally'). The transition between sentences is functional but lacks variety. The overall progression is clear, but the limited length prevents a more sophisticated flow of information. To improve, try to use a wider range of linking words and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'the mountain', 'the sea') is more precise throughout the text to improve the overall cohesion of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'winds approach coast' and 'clouds are formed' are functional but lack the precision expected in an academic report. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'the rain-shadow desert is formulated', where 'formed' or 'created' would be more natural. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more specific scientific or descriptive terminology related to geography and weather patterns, such as 'moisture-laden', 'precipitation', or 'arid conditions', to demonstrate a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly regarding articles (e.g., 'approach coast' instead of 'approach the coast') and prepositional usage. Some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'through thousands of kilometers between the first and the final stages', which is grammatically unclear. While the meaning is generally understandable, these errors occur frequently enough to distract the reader. To improve, focus on the correct use of articles and ensure that your sentence structures are grammatically sound and varied, paying closer attention to subject-verb agreement and prepositional phrases.

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

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