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 given illustration presents formation of rain-shadow desert.

Overall, it is evident that formation of desert consists of seven stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas.

Initially, it is seen that near the mountain sea is located from where winds approach the coast and start travelling upward direction in mountain's windward side. As soon as moist air rises it becomes cool and convert in to clouds form. Once the clouds form, rain drops start falling on left side of mountains.

Secondly,

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the task achievement score. Because the essay is incomplete and stops abruptly after only 89 words, it fails to provide a full summary of the process or make the necessary comparisons. The description of the stages is also limited and lacks the detail required to fully explain the formation of a rain-shadow desert. To improve, you must ensure you complete the entire process described in the diagram and meet the minimum word count to allow for a full development of the information presented.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response shows some attempt at logical organization by using transition words like 'Initially' and 'Secondly'. However, because the text is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence, the overall progression is interrupted. There is a lack of cohesive devices to link ideas effectively, and the paragraphing is not fully developed due to the unfinished nature of the writing. To improve, focus on completing your thoughts and using a wider variety of linking words to connect the different stages of the process more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Phrases such as 'winds approach the coast' and 'start travelling' are functional but lack the precision expected in an academic report. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'convert in to clouds form'. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to meteorological processes, such as 'moisture-laden air', 'condensation', and 'precipitation'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that affect clarity. For example, 'presents formation of rain-shadow desert' is missing articles ('the' formation, 'a' rain-shadow desert). There are also issues with sentence structure, such as 'near the mountain sea is located', which is awkwardly phrased. While the meaning is generally understandable, the range of structures is limited to simple sentences. To improve, focus on using articles correctly and varying your sentence structures by incorporating complex sentences with subordinate clauses.

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

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