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 given process illustrates the formation of rain-shadow deserts. It is well clear representation.
In an overall, process involves various steps commencing with winds approach coast and culminating at dry winds reach inland areas.
Firstly, the winds of sea approach at coast which later pushed upwards. when sea winds go upward alongwith mountains get the moisture in air rise increase and the winds cool down. afterwhich the clouds form from the moisture air. before Dry air continues our mountain the rain falls on the mountains.
In the subsequent steps, when Dry air start flowing top of mountains to leeward side it reach inland areas which then form the Rain-shadow desert at inland areas. the winds reach from sea to Inland and covers thousands of kilometres to form one type of desert called rain shadow desert.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation are identified, the explanation is underdeveloped and lacks the necessary detail to fully satisfy the prompt. The description of the process is somewhat fragmented, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain is not clearly articulated. To improve, you should ensure that all stages of the diagram are described with sufficient detail and that the response meets the minimum length requirement to allow for a full development of the information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the logical progression of ideas is often hindered by awkward phrasing and a lack of effective cohesive devices. Transitions such as 'afterwhich' and 'in the subsequent steps' are used, but they are often grammatically incorrect or poorly integrated into the sentences. The referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the sequence of the process. To improve, focus on using a wider range of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus that connects logically to the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'winds', 'mountains', and 'moisture'. There are several instances of incorrect word choice and collocation, such as 'winds approach coast' instead of 'winds approach the coast' and 'moisture in air rise increase'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology related to geographical processes, such as 'precipitation', 'condensation', 'leeward', and 'arid', and pay closer attention to standard collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with article usage (e.g., 'winds of sea', 'at coast'), subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack necessary prepositions, such as 'when Dry air start flowing top of mountains'. The range of grammatical structures is limited, with a reliance on simple sentences that lack complexity. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including the correct use of articles and prepositions, and practice combining simple ideas into more complex, error-free sentences.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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