Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04

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)

This picture is trying to illustrate how rain-shadow deserts are formed. The whole process is complex and lengthy as it involves 7 steps from winds flowing towards mouintain coast to formaing of rain-shadow desert.

When winds starts approaching the mountain coast then the direction of winds is shifted or pushed upwards towarsd the top of the hill . After thatTe moist wind flowing upwards the hill in between rises and cools . Then when the air become a littel cool clouds are formed and by the time the wind recahes the top rain starts falling.

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 95 words. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. The description of the process is incomplete, as it stops abruptly after the rainfall stage and fails to explain the final 'rain-shadow' effect, which is the core of the prompt. The summary of the main features is underdeveloped, and the response lacks the necessary detail to provide a comprehensive overview of the diagram. To improve, you must ensure you describe the entire process from start to finish and meet the minimum length requirement to allow for full development of the information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is very short, making it difficult to assess paragraphing or the effective use of cohesive devices. While there is a basic attempt at logical progression using transition words like 'When', 'After that', and 'Then', the text lacks a clear structure. The ideas are not sufficiently linked to form a coherent summary of the process. The abrupt ending further disrupts the flow of information. To improve, focus on organizing your response into a clear introduction, a body paragraph describing the process, and a concluding summary, using a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive, such as 'winds', 'mountain', and 'hill'. There are several spelling errors, including 'mouintain', 'formaing', 'towarsd', 'littel', and 'recahes', which distract the reader. The range of vocabulary is limited and insufficient to describe a technical process accurately. To improve, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to geography and weather, such as 'moisture-laden air', 'orographic lift', or 'precipitation', and pay closer attention to your spelling to ensure your writing remains professional and easy to follow.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'winds starts' (subject-verb agreement), 'flowing upwards the hill' (preposition error), and 'air become a littel cool' (tense/agreement). The sentence structures are simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas and the capitalization of 'Te'. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and sentence structure. Practice using complex sentences with relative clauses or subordinating conjunctions to demonstrate a wider grammatical range.

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

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