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 outlines the stages of rain shadow desert . It tells the phenomenon which occurs for the formation of rain shadow desert .

In the beginning wind approaches towards the coast , then wind pushed upwards and then the moist air rises and cool down towards Windwaard side . The clouds are formed by the process known as condensation . After clouds formation rain falls from the cloud on the mountain .

Afterthe rain dry air continues over mountains towards Leeward side and travelled thousands of kilometeres . After a long travel dry wind reaches inland areas . This whole process includes several steps and a long time period . This process takes hundreds thousands of kilometers for it's completion .

This is a purely natural phenomenon and it includes numerous weather depending factors . It starts from the sea ,passed from the mountains and finall ends at the inland and then a rain shadow desert forms

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response provides a basic overview of the process, but it lacks the analytical depth required for a high band score. While it identifies the main stages—moist air rising, condensation, and the rain shadow effect—it fails to effectively compare the windward and leeward sides or describe the geographical features with precision. The description is somewhat repetitive and relies on general statements rather than a detailed summary of the provided diagram. To improve, focus on clearly contrasting the two sides of the mountain and using more precise terminology to describe the transition from moist to dry air.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'After', 'Then', 'This process'). The transition between sentences is often abrupt, and the logical flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to show cause and effect, such as 'consequently', 'as a result', or 'subsequently'. The referencing is generally clear, but the overall structure feels like a list of steps rather than a cohesive explanation of a natural phenomenon.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and somewhat repetitive. Phrases like 'tells the phenomenon' and 'weather depending factors' are not natural collocations. There are also spelling errors such as 'Windwaard' and 'kilometeres'. While the student uses some relevant terms like 'condensation' and 'rain shadow', the range is insufficient to convey the information with precision. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more academic vocabulary related to geography and climate, such as 'precipitation', 'moisture-laden', 'arid', and 'topographical barrier'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex sentences, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include missing articles ('towards coast'), incorrect verb forms ('wind pushed upwards'), and punctuation errors. The sentence structure is often simplistic, and there are errors in subject-verb agreement and preposition usage. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction and ensuring that articles and prepositions are used correctly. Increasing the variety of complex structures, such as using relative clauses or passive voice, would also help improve the score.

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

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