Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-02

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 assigned process chart illustrates the formation of rain-shadow deserts.

Overall, it is evidence that process is take place in seven different stages beginning with winds approach coast , end with dry winds reach inland areas.

In first stage, winds approached coast from sea and then, wind pushed upwards. After that moist air rose and cools then clouds formed. In next stage rain fallen on the mountain .

After the rain, dry air continued over mountain. At last, through the leeward side dry winds reached inland areas and finally, rain shadow desert produced.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 93 words. This significantly impacts the task achievement as the description of the process is underdeveloped and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the formation of the rain-shadow desert. While the main features are identified, the lack of length prevents a comprehensive summary. To improve, you must expand on the stages by providing more descriptive detail about the atmospheric conditions and the transition between each phase of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is organised into a brief introduction and a short body paragraph. While there is a basic attempt at logical sequencing using transition words like 'In first stage', 'After that', and 'At last', the overall flow is fragmented due to the brevity of the text. The paragraphing is insufficient, and the lack of development makes the progression of ideas feel rushed. To improve, ensure each stage of the process is described in a complete sentence and use a wider variety of cohesive devices to link the stages more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms such as 'winds', 'rain', and 'clouds'. There is little attempt to use more precise or academic vocabulary related to geography or meteorology. Some phrasing is awkward, such as 'it is evidence that process is take place'. To achieve a higher band, you should incorporate more specific terminology relevant to the diagram, such as 'moisture-laden', 'precipitation', 'leeward side', and 'arid conditions', and ensure correct word forms are used.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with verb tense consistency ('rain fallen', 'process is take place') and missing articles ('approached coast', 'on the mountain'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence construction. The errors occasionally impede the clarity of the description. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and practice combining simple sentences into more complex structures using relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions.

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.