Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-08

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 formation of a type of desert, called shadow desert.

Overall, the formation includes 7 stages, which begins with winds approaching te coast and ends with dry winds reaching island areas.

In the beginning, coast of the mountain is approached by winds from the sea and forced upward. as the moist air rise forward in the windward side, it cools down, causing clouds to formed. rain then falls on this side. while dry air continues to flow ove the mountain in leeward side. then, the dry winds reaches in the island areas, later on it is known as rain shadow desert.

In conclusion, the difference between both sides are that windward side is cool and wet , while leeward side is dry ans warm .

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 task achievement score. While you have identified the main features of the diagram, the explanation is quite brief and lacks the necessary detail to fully develop the process. For instance, the description of the stages is somewhat superficial, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides could be expanded with more precise terminology regarding the atmospheric conditions. To improve, ensure you describe the process in greater detail, perhaps by elaborating on the specific physical changes occurring at each stage of the mountain crossing.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organized into an introduction, a body paragraph, and a conclusion, which provides a basic structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'In the beginning', 'then', 'later on'). The flow between sentences is occasionally disjointed, making the progression of ideas feel slightly abrupt. To improve, try using a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases to connect your ideas more fluidly. Additionally, ensure that your paragraphing is balanced; currently, the body paragraph is quite dense, while the introduction and conclusion are very short.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range required for a higher band. You use basic terms like 'approached', 'forced', and 'cool down'. While these are accurate, they do not demonstrate a sophisticated command of the topic. There are also some minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'ans' instead of 'and' and 'ove' instead of 'over'. To improve, incorporate more topic-specific vocabulary related to meteorology and geography, such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', 'moisture-laden', or 'arid conditions'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'clouds to formed' (should be 'clouds to form'), 'dry winds reaches' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'the difference between both sides are' (should be 'is'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with spacing around commas and periods. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensure that your verb forms are consistent. Proofreading for basic errors in tense and pluralization will help improve your accuracy significantly.

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

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