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 given process chart shows the process of formation of rain shadow deserts :

The given process chart involves 7 steps.

During the first step winds approach coast then in the second step, winds are pushed upwards then in the third step moist air is raised and cooled then in the fourth step formation of clouds takes place.

Then in the fifth step rain falls from the clouds then the dry air continues to blow over mountain then at last, dry winds reach inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 85 words. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While the student identifies the main steps of the process, the description is overly simplistic and lacks the necessary detail, analysis, and comparison required for an Academic Task 1 response. There is no overview provided, and the information is presented as a basic list rather than a cohesive summary. To improve, the student must expand on the descriptions of each stage, explain the relationship between the moisture levels and the mountain, and provide a clear summary of the overall process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organized in a very mechanical and repetitive manner. The use of 'in the first step', 'in the second step', and 'then' at the start of almost every clause makes the writing feel like a list rather than a coherent paragraph. There is a lack of varied cohesive devices or logical transitions between the stages of the process. The paragraphing is also insufficient, as the entire response is presented as a single, short block of text. To improve, the student should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas more fluidly and structure the response into logical paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is very basic and repetitive. Words such as 'step', 'winds', and 'clouds' are used frequently without any attempt to use more precise or descriptive terminology related to geography or meteorology. There is no evidence of less common lexical items or collocations. The range is limited to the most basic vocabulary necessary to describe the diagram. To improve, the student should incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary, such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', 'orographic lift', or 'arid conditions', to demonstrate a higher level of lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The grammatical range is very limited, consisting almost entirely of simple sentences with a repetitive structure. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions, which are necessary for a higher band score. While the sentences are generally understandable, the repetitive structure makes the writing monotonous. There are also minor punctuation issues, such as the unnecessary space before the colon in the first sentence. To improve, the student should practice combining simple sentences into complex ones using conjunctions like 'as', 'where', or 'which' to show relationships between the stages of the process.

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

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