Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-17

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 depict how one type of desert,known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, it is clear that at first winds approach from sea pushed upwards and when clouds form rain falls. Dry air continues over mountain on the leeward side , at end dry winds reach inland areas.

To begin with, winds approach coast from sea then winds pushed upwards on a mountain where moist air rises and cools then clouds form at windward side. Those clouds which are formed insulate rain fall at top of the mountain.

Probing further, dry air continues over mountain pasing leeward side then at end dry winds reach inland areas. This process passes through thousands of kilomenter from coast to inland (rain-shadow desert) .

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 features of the rain-shadow effect are identified, the explanation is underdeveloped and lacks the necessary detail to reach a higher band. The summary is quite brief, and the lack of length prevents a comprehensive overview of the stages shown in the diagram. To improve, you must expand on the descriptions of each stage, ensuring that the relationship between the wind, the mountain, and the resulting desert is explained with greater clarity and depth.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'To begin with', 'Probing further'). The flow between sentences is occasionally disjointed, and the referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the phrase 'Those clouds which are formed insulate rain fall'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence logically connects to the next would enhance the overall coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms to describe the process. There are also issues with word choice and spelling, such as 'insulate' instead of 'precipitate' or 'release', and 'kilomenter' (spelling error). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate a higher level of control. To improve, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific terminology related to geography and weather patterns, such as 'moisture-laden', 'precipitation', 'leeward', and 'windward', and ensure that these terms are used accurately in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues ('The diagram depict') and missing articles ('at top of the mountain'). The sentence structures are predominantly simple or contain errors when attempting more complex constructions, such as 'winds approach from sea pushed upwards'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after commas. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including the correct use of articles, prepositions, and verb tenses, before attempting more complex grammatical structures.

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

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