Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-16

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 flow chart below depicted one type of desert, know as a rain-shadow desert , is formed.

There are seven steps in this process start with winds that approach coast and ending with dry winds reach in inland areas.

In the formation of rain-shadow desert process winds travelled thousands of kilometers than desert of rain-shadow is formed. In the first stage winds approach coast of sea and then pushed upwards in middle of the atmosphere. .when the winds reached in middle moist air is rises after which winds became cool and moving to windward side .Due to this clouds are formed. After that rain falls on the top on mountains and dry air continues moving over mountain to the leeward side, following this dry winds reached at inland areas subsequently rain shadow desert is formed This process is very slow process to make one desert is converted into a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, logical overview of the stages. While the key steps (moist air rising, cloud formation, rain, and dry air moving to the leeward side) are mentioned, the explanation is slightly disjointed. To improve, ensure that the progression of the process is clearly outlined from start to finish without unnecessary repetition. The summary of the process is present, but it could be more precise in its technical description of the atmospheric changes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the internal structure is weak. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes inaccurate, such as the repetitive use of 'winds' and 'after that'. The flow between sentences is often interrupted by awkward phrasing, making the progression of the process feel disjointed. For a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'consequently', 'as a result') and ensure that each sentence logically follows the previous one to create a smoother narrative.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'winds', 'air', and 'process'. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'winds reached in inland areas' and 'moist air is rises'. To improve, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to meteorology and geography, such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', 'moisture-laden', and 'arid conditions'. Expanding your range of verbs and adjectives will help you describe the process with greater clarity and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'moist air is rises', 'winds travelled', 'winds reached'). There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the punctuation is inconsistent, with some sentences being run-on or missing necessary commas. To achieve a higher band, focus on using a mix of simple and complex sentences correctly. Pay close attention to tense consistency—since you are describing a scientific process, the present simple tense should be used consistently throughout.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.