Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-28
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 explain the process of rain in several steps from Sea to Rain shadow desert.
Overall, process commenced with above sea level and after crossing the mountain with process steps landed into Rain-shadow desert.
The First step is that, when wind cross the Sea it hints the mountain edge and moving upwards. Moreover, continue the process and winds converts into the moist air that afterwards cool-down. This makes the in the air into clouds which are light in weight and covers more area around the mountain in small chunks.
When it approach the top edge of the Mountain then it starts raining. After crossing the top notch edge of mountain then starts downwards as it became heavy drop of rain. Air hint the rain-drop and convert it in dry air.Furthermore, when dry winds comes to the bottom then expanded to the land. When dry winds in to the land then it become Rain-shadow desert.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow process, such as the movement of moist air, cloud formation, precipitation, and the resulting dry air. However, the description is often unclear and lacks precision. For example, the explanation of how clouds form and the transition from moist to dry air is scientifically vague and difficult to follow. While the main features are mentioned, the lack of clarity in describing the relationship between the mountain and the air currents means the information is not fully developed or accurately reported. The overview provided is also somewhat disjointed, failing to clearly summarize the overall mechanism of the rain-shadow effect.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the flow of ideas is frequently interrupted by awkward phrasing and unclear logical connections. While some cohesive devices like 'Moreover' and 'Furthermore' are used, they are often applied mechanically or incorrectly. The referencing is sometimes confusing, such as in the phrase 'This makes the in the air into clouds', where the subject is missing or unclear. The progression of the process is difficult to track because the sentences do not always link logically to the previous ones, making the overall structure feel somewhat disjointed and repetitive in its phrasing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and often inaccurate, which hinders the clarity of the report. There is a reliance on basic, repetitive words like 'process', 'step', and 'air'. Some word choices are inappropriate for a formal report, such as 'hints the mountain' (likely meant 'hits') and 'top notch edge'. There are also issues with word formation and collocation, such as 'winds converts' and 'heavy drop of rain'. These errors are frequent and occasionally make it difficult for the reader to understand the intended meaning of the scientific process described.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures, and there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Subject-verb agreement is often incorrect, such as 'The picture explain' and 'winds converts'. There are also significant issues with article usage and prepositions, for example, 'in several steps from Sea to Rain shadow desert' and 'when dry winds comes'. Punctuation is inconsistent, and some sentences are fragmented or lack necessary components, such as 'This makes the in the air into clouds'. These errors are persistent and frequently impede the reader's understanding of the text.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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