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 exhibits the process of formation of a desert namely rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the mountains play an pivotal role in the formation of this rain-shadow desert due to its cold weather at peak. The winds initially approach the coast from the sea and gradually moves upward towards the mountain and form clouds. Additionally, the rain from these clouds bring the dry air to the land to the desert.

To be specific, winds from the sea first approach the coast and then pushed upwards along the windward side. Thereafter,

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 text is incomplete and stops mid-sentence, it fails to provide a full summary of the process or make the necessary comparisons between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain. The overview is present but lacks the depth required to reach a higher band. To improve, you must complete the description of the entire process shown in the diagram and ensure you meet the minimum word count to allow for a full development of the main features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response shows some attempt at logical sequencing with an introduction and an overview paragraph. However, the abrupt ending makes it impossible to evaluate the overall progression of the text. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Additionally', and 'To be specific' are used correctly to signal structure, but the lack of completion means the text does not flow as a cohesive whole. To improve, ensure you have a clear introduction, a body paragraph describing the process in stages, and a concluding summary, while ensuring the text is fully finished.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is generally appropriate for the topic, such as 'pivotal role', 'windward side', and 'formation'. However, the range is limited due to the brevity of the response. There are minor errors in word choice, such as 'the rain from these clouds bring the dry air', where 'brings' would be grammatically correct. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use a wider variety of topic-specific vocabulary related to meteorological processes and ensure accurate subject-verb agreement.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. There are noticeable grammatical errors, such as 'the mountains play an pivotal role' (should be 'a pivotal role') and 'winds... gradually moves' (should be 'move'). The incomplete nature of the final sentence also prevents a full assessment of your control over complex structures. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Practice writing complete, error-free sentences to demonstrate better control over your grammar.

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.