Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03
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 the different steps involved in the formation of rain shadow deserts.
Overall, there are seven steps for the formation of rain shadow deserts, former with the wind approach to the coast and latter with the dry winds reach inland areas.
Looking at the information of formation of rain-shadow desert in more details, at the first stage the winds approach to the coast and pushed it yourself in the upwards direction, the air rises and cools. After this in the fourth steps clouds was formed for the rain and then dry irn
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which severely impacts the task achievement. Because the essay is incomplete and cuts off mid-sentence, it fails to provide a full summary of the process. The main features are not adequately described, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is missing. To improve, you must ensure you describe all stages of the process shown in the diagram and meet the minimum word count to allow for a full development of the information provided.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The response lacks a clear structure due to its incomplete nature. While there is an attempt at an introduction and an overview, the lack of a body paragraph development means there is no logical progression of ideas. Cohesive devices are used in a very limited and mechanical way, such as 'at the first stage' and 'after this'. The abrupt ending makes it impossible to assess the overall coherence of the text. To improve, focus on organizing your response into clear paragraphs that follow the logical sequence of the process.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'different steps involved' and 'pushed it yourself' are either imprecise or grammatically awkward. There is a lack of technical vocabulary related to the process, such as 'moisture,' 'precipitation,' 'leeward,' or 'rain shadow.' The spelling error 'irn' further detracts from the quality. To improve, you should learn and incorporate topic-specific vocabulary related to geography and weather processes to demonstrate a wider range of lexical resources.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains several grammatical errors that impede clarity. Examples include 'former with the wind approach' (incorrect word choice/structure), 'pushed it yourself' (incorrect pronoun usage), and 'clouds was formed' (subject-verb agreement error). The sentence structures are simple and often fragmented. The incomplete nature of the final sentence also prevents a full assessment of your ability to use complex structures. To improve, focus on 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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