Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 diagram shows the one type of desert, known as a rain shadow desert is formed.

The formal step near the sea level depicted the winds approached to coast then suddenly winds are pushed illustrated upwards trends till next step. While, before the winds become in clouds form the air is moist also rised and cools. Meanwhile, last third step demonstrated from the clouds the rain are falls in a slightly way. After this stage the air are coming in a dried conditions and continues over the mountain in the leeward direction. Last but not least, the wind become dried which reached inland areas in the right hand side.

Overall, it is quite evident that the diagram begin from winds approached to coast then ends in the last step which depicts the wind dried and reached inland. Starting steps till last steps have distance thousands of kilometers between them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response attempts to describe the process of rain-shadow desert formation, but the explanation is often unclear and lacks precision. While the main stages are identified, the description of the meteorological process is confusing, particularly the phrasing 'before the winds become in clouds form'. The summary of the process is somewhat disjointed, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is not clearly articulated. To improve, you should focus on accurately describing the scientific process shown in the diagram, ensuring that the relationship between altitude, moisture, and precipitation is clearly explained rather than just listing steps.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate, such as 'The formal step' or 'Last but not least', which do not fit the context of a scientific process description. The progression of ideas is sometimes difficult to follow because the sentences lack logical flow. For example, the transition between the description of the wind and the final summary is abrupt. Improving your use of linking words like 'consequently', 'subsequently', or 'as a result' would help create a more natural and logical flow between the stages of the process.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and often repetitive. There are several instances of awkward word choices and incorrect collocations, such as 'upwards trends', 'in a slightly way', and 'air are coming in a dried conditions'. These errors occasionally make the meaning difficult to grasp. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to geography and weather, such as 'moisture-laden', 'precipitation', 'leeward side', and 'arid'. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and adjectives will help you convey the information more effectively and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'the rain are falls' and 'the air are coming'. Additionally, sentence structures are often fragmented or incorrectly formed, such as 'the diagram begin from winds approached to coast'. The use of articles and prepositions is also inconsistent. You need to focus on basic sentence construction, ensuring that subjects and verbs agree and that tenses are used consistently throughout the report. Practising the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing processes, would also be highly beneficial.

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

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