Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-29

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 diagram illustrates how one type of desert, know as a rain shadow desert, is formed

Overall, The procedure consists of seven stages. Beginning with the winds approach coast from sea water. Ending with the how dry winds reach inland areas.

Initially, the winds are approached coast from the sea water, moreover the distance between coast and rain shadow desert is 1000 of kilometer. And then, the winds are pushed upwards into the direction of mountain top. Following this, the moist air is risen and cooled by the windward side. And then, these air are transformed into the clouds.Furthermore, when the clouds reached top of the mountain the rain are falls. Then, the mountain are fully heated inside the dry air is continued over mountain into the Leeward side. Ending with the, the dry wind are reached inland areas in rain shadow desert .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the process, but it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While the key features of the rain-shadow effect are identified, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a sophisticated overview. The summary of the process is present, but the under-length nature of the response means the information is not fully developed. To improve, ensure you expand on the descriptions of each stage and provide a more cohesive summary of the overall process to meet the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response uses basic cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Following this', and 'Furthermore'. However, the paragraphing is ineffective; the entire body is essentially one block, and the transition between the introduction and the body is abrupt. The logical flow is present but mechanical, and the referencing (e.g., 'these air') is often inaccurate, which hinders the smooth progression of ideas. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, distinct focus to guide the reader through the process more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying heavily on basic terms like 'winds', 'clouds', and 'mountain'. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and incorrect word choices, such as 'sea water' instead of 'ocean' or 'sea', and '1000 of kilometer' which is grammatically incorrect. The range is insufficient to demonstrate flexibility or precision. To improve, incorporate more specific terminology related to geography and weather processes, and focus on using collocations correctly to enhance the clarity and professional tone of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'the rain are falls', 'the dry wind are reached') and article usage. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex structures are often marred by errors, such as 'the winds are approached coast from the sea water'. Punctuation is also inconsistent. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, particularly subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is essential for describing processes.

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

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