Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-27

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 picture given below illustrates that that rain-shadow desert a type of desert is formed

As we can see that the picture gives us information about how rain shadow desert is formed and has provided us with the step involved in the process of rain-shadow desert formation

We can clearly see in the diagram that there are 7 crucial steps which takes place in the process first of all the winds from the sea approaches from the coast In this step the wind is pushed upwards it moist the air that rises toward higher alleviation and forms clouds and as we know that and after all these the rain-fall starts and dry air continues downward from the mountain and travels for thousand and thousand of kilometer in the unless it reached to inland areas which is the final step in this process and thus the rain-shadow desert is formed

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.5

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While the student attempts to describe the process, the summary is superficial and lacks the necessary detail to fully report the main features of the diagram. The description of the seven steps is repetitive and lacks precision, failing to clearly explain the meteorological mechanics shown. Furthermore, the response is written as a single, run-on paragraph, which hinders the ability to present a clear overview or logical grouping of information. To improve, the student must ensure the word count is met and provide a more structured, analytical summary of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response consists of a single, long paragraph, which fails to demonstrate effective paragraphing or logical organization. There is a lack of cohesive devices to link ideas; instead, the text relies on repetitive phrasing such as 'in this step' and 'and as we know that'. The flow is disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of the process. The lack of punctuation, particularly the absence of full stops between distinct ideas, creates a 'run-on' effect that severely disrupts the coherence of the writing. Improved use of linking words and clear paragraph breaks are essential for a higher score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'picture', 'step', and 'process'. There are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'alleviation' (likely intended as 'elevation') and 'moist the air' (which should be a verb phrase like 'moistens the air'). The phrasing 'thousand and thousand of kilometer' is informal and repetitive. To reach a higher band, the student needs to use a wider range of topic-specific vocabulary related to geography and meteorology, such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', 'arid', or 'topography', and ensure these are used with greater precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5

The grammatical range is very limited, consisting mostly of simple, poorly constructed sentences. There is a complete absence of punctuation, which makes the text difficult to parse. Frequent errors in subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'steps which takes place') and word order are present. The sentence structure is consistently flawed, with many clauses joined incorrectly or not at all. The lack of complex sentence structures prevents the student from demonstrating control over more sophisticated grammar. To improve, the student should focus on basic sentence construction, proper use of full stops, and ensuring subject-verb agreement.

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

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