Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-07

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 provided chart illustrates the making of rain-shadow deserts, starting with winds approched to coasts and end at inland areas.

As an overview, the process consists 7 major steps and all the steps are necessary to get final result.

In the begining, the winds are approached from coast of the sea from windward side of the mountains. Afterthat, winds are pushed upward to mountain. In the next step, moist air are rised and cooled down. Furthermore, the clouds are formed and rain fall are started at peak of the mountain.

Moreover, after raining the dry air are countinud over to mountains in leeward side. Finaly, the dry winds are reaced inland areas in the leeward side of the mountain or a hill.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the score. While the report attempts to describe the process, it lacks the necessary detail and depth required for a Band 6 or higher. The summary is overly simplistic and fails to highlight key comparisons or the significance of the meteorological changes described in the diagram. The description of the seven steps is mechanical and lacks the analytical overview expected in an Academic Task 1 response. To improve, you must expand on the descriptions of each stage and ensure the response meets the length requirement to allow for a full development of the information provided in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into short paragraphs, which helps with readability. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical (e.g., 'In the next step', 'Furthermore', 'Moreover', 'Finaly'). The logical progression is present but basic. The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the flow between sentences feels disjointed rather than fluid. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that your sentences are connected in a way that shows the relationship between the stages of the process more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is quite limited and repetitive. You rely on basic verbs like 'making', 'approached', 'pushed', and 'rised'. There is a lack of precise, topic-specific terminology related to geography or meteorology, such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', 'orographic lift', or 'arid conditions'. Additionally, there are errors in word choice and form, such as 'making of' instead of 'formation of' and 'rain fall are started' instead of 'precipitation begins'. To improve, focus on learning and using more academic vocabulary relevant to describing processes and natural phenomena.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'moist air are rised', 'winds are reaced') and tense usage. The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with few attempts at complex sentences. When complex structures are attempted, they are often grammatically incorrect. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the overall control of grammar is weak. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and practice forming complex sentences using subordinating conjunctions like 'as', 'while', or 'where'.

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.