Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06

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 graphic demonstrate the formation of one kind of desert also known as shadow desert.

Overall, there are 7 steps in development of rain shadow desert. The major roll is of winds, and the distance in kilometres.

1st Winds reaches the coast from the sea level below sea there is also a coast then the 2nd step of wind is to be pushed upwards, then in 3rd and 4th moist air cools and clouds are been formed respectively. By then in 5 step it starts raining

At the ground level there is a Mountains and over the mountain there is a WindWard side which is right bellow the clouds form, and after rain falls, step 6 tis dry air continues over the mountain crossing over the leeward side and by then in the 7th step dry winds reaches inland area and that is formation of rain rain shadow desert happens. This all steps have a distance of thousands of kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process, such as the role of wind, moisture, and the mountain barrier. However, the description is somewhat mechanical, relying on a numbered list format rather than a cohesive summary. While the key stages are mentioned, the explanation of the process is occasionally unclear, such as the reference to 'sea level below sea' and the repetitive mention of 'step'. To improve, you should integrate these points into a fluid, analytical report that highlights the causal relationship between the wind's ascent, precipitation on the windward side, and the resulting arid conditions on the leeward side, rather than simply listing the steps shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay uses a numbered list format, which is not appropriate for an academic report. This structure disrupts the flow and prevents the development of a logical, paragraph-based progression. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices like 'Overall' and 'after', the transitions between sentences are often abrupt or confusing. The referencing is sometimes unclear, particularly in the second paragraph where the sequence of events becomes difficult to follow. To improve, you should use standard paragraphing and transition words (e.g., 'consequently', 'subsequently', 'as a result') to link the stages of the process into a coherent narrative.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'steps', 'winds', and 'formation', and there are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'major roll' (instead of 'role') and 'right bellow' (instead of 'below'). There is also a lack of precise terminology related to geographical processes, such as 'orographic lift' or 'precipitation'. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of variety and the presence of spelling errors (e.g., 'tis' for 'this') limit the score. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and nouns related to climate and geography would significantly enhance your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The graphic demonstrate', 'winds reaches'), incorrect verb tenses ('clouds are been formed'), and awkward sentence construction ('there is a Mountains'). There is a lack of complex sentence structures, and the punctuation is inconsistent, particularly with the use of numbers as bullet points. To reach a higher band, you need to focus on basic accuracy, such as ensuring subjects and verbs agree, and attempt to use more varied sentence structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, to describe the scientific process more effectively.

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

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