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 diagram below illustrates the stage involved in the formation of rain shadow desert.

Overall, the process have linear, multi stage sequence start with wind sea from approach coast and end with dry wind inland areas from a rain shadow desert. During these stage air push upward could form clouds transfer into rain fall continue over mountains.

In initial stage, wind which come from sea approach the coastal area push upward to cooled to next stage once wind have cool most air risen transfer into cloud which will be covertered into rain fall all of these stages have been implemented on the Windward side.

After that dry air continues over mountains and dry wind reach inland area overall it cover thousand of km area

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 task achievement score. While you have identified the main stages of the process, the description is underdeveloped and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the formation of a rain-shadow desert. The explanation of the windward side and the transition to the leeward side is fragmented and lacks clarity. To improve, you must expand on the specific physical processes, such as the cooling of air as it rises and the resulting precipitation, and ensure the response meets the length requirement to allow for a full development of the information provided in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into three short paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, the progression of ideas is often unclear due to grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'In initial stage' and 'After that', but they are often used incorrectly or in a repetitive manner. The referencing is sometimes confusing, making it difficult for the reader to follow the sequence of events described in the diagram. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking words more accurately and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, logical focus that connects smoothly to the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'wind', 'stage', and 'area'. There are several instances of incorrect word choice and word formation, such as 'covertered' instead of 'converted' and 'sea from approach coast'. These errors occasionally impede the clarity of your explanation. To achieve a higher band score, you should aim to use more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to geography and meteorology, such as 'moisture-laden', 'precipitation', 'leeward', and 'condensation'. Expanding your range of vocabulary will help you describe the process with greater accuracy and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that affect the readability of the text. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the process have'), article usage, and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack the necessary complexity to demonstrate a good range of grammatical structures. For instance, 'wind which come from sea approach the coastal area push upward to cooled' is grammatically incorrect and difficult to parse. You should focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including correct verb tenses and prepositions, before attempting more complex structures. Proofreading for basic errors like missing plurals and incorrect verb forms is essential.

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

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