Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-01

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, how was rain- shadow desert formed and we will discuss all the key features of its formation.

To began with, this pictorial representation shows that in the first step wind approached coast from sea then wind pushed to upward after that moist air rises and cooled. Moreover, it turned into clouds on windward side.

However, the clouds fall high on the top of mountain. The dry air continued over mountain to leeward side. Although dry air converted in dry winds which reached to the inland areas.

Likewise, when we compared all the methods of formation then we came to know that how rain-shadow desert exist.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While the student attempts to describe the process, the explanation is overly simplistic and lacks the necessary detail to fully cover the stages shown in the diagram. Key features, such as the specific role of the mountain barrier and the contrast between the windward and leeward sides, are mentioned but not sufficiently developed or explained. To improve, the student needs to provide a more comprehensive overview and include more precise details about the physical processes involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into short paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. While some transition words like 'To begin with', 'Moreover', and 'However' are used, they are often applied incorrectly or in a way that does not accurately reflect the relationship between the ideas. For example, 'However' is used to introduce the next step in the process rather than a contrast. The referencing is also somewhat mechanical, and the overall flow is disjointed. Improving the use of cohesive devices and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one will help create a more coherent response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. The student relies on basic terms such as 'wind', 'air', and 'clouds' without utilizing more precise scientific or descriptive language appropriate for a process diagram (e.g., 'moisture-laden', 'precipitation', 'arid', 'descending'). There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'wind pushed to upward' and 'clouds fall high'. To achieve a higher band, the student should focus on expanding their range of vocabulary to include more specific terminology related to geography and climate processes, and pay closer attention to correct word forms and collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with verb tense consistency, such as 'how was rain-shadow desert formed' and 'when we compared... we came to know'. Additionally, there are errors in sentence structure, such as missing articles ('approached coast from sea') and awkward phrasing ('dry air converted in dry winds'). The range of structures is limited to simple sentences, with few attempts at complex grammatical forms. To improve, the student should focus on mastering basic sentence construction, subject-verb agreement, and the correct use of articles and prepositions.

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.