Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-24
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 illustrates the formation of a rain-shadow desert from one kind of desert by going through many steps.
The process of forming a rain-shadow desert includes seven steps in total. In the first step, winds from the sea approach coast and then these winds pushed upwards. Next, the moist air rises over the mountains and cools. Then the clouds are formed near the windward side.
In the next step, rain falls on the top of the mountains and then dry air from that rain continues over mountains which is called leeward side of the mountain. In the last step the
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, as it is only 102 words long. Furthermore, the response is incomplete, ending abruptly mid-sentence ('In the last step the'). Because the task is not finished, the main features of the diagram are not fully reported, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is underdeveloped. To improve, you must ensure you complete the description of all stages shown in the diagram and provide a clear overview of the process to meet the minimum length requirement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response uses basic cohesive devices such as 'In the first step', 'Next', and 'Then' to sequence the information. However, because the text is incomplete, the overall progression is interrupted. Paragraphing is attempted, but the final paragraph is left unfinished, which negatively impacts the logical flow. To improve, ensure that each paragraph is fully developed and that you use a wider variety of linking words to connect the stages of the process more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is generally appropriate for describing a process, using terms like 'moist air', 'windward side', and 'leeward side'. However, the range is limited and repetitive. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'winds from the sea approach coast' (missing an article). To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise scientific terminology related to meteorological processes and ensure accurate article usage.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies on simple sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'these winds pushed upwards' (should be passive voice: 'are pushed upwards') and 'approach coast' (missing 'the'). The abrupt ending makes it difficult to assess your ability to use more complex sentence structures. To improve, focus on using passive voice consistently for process descriptions and ensure subject-verb agreement and article usage are accurate throughout your writing.
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.