Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-18

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 below shows how one type the formation of rain-shadow desert is formed in thousands of kilometres.

Overall, it is evident that formation of rain is done in seven stages from sea to mountains and then it is raining in inland to rain-shadow desert.

In the first stage, wind approached cost at sea that is linked to mountain, it is followed by winds pushed air upwards in sercond stage, to upward mountain windward side. In third stage, moist air rises and cools, the evaporated water drops in air cooled due to upward atmosphere which down its temperature. Clouds formation are done in this process due to cool air on windward side in fourth stage, rain fell due to thunderstorming on mountain top, then dry air continues over mountain by leeward side in sixth stage. As air passess it dried. In the last stage, by leeward side dry winds reached inland areas which feel like rainy air that actually contained rain deops in air. Which are called inland Rain-shadow desert

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The student attempts to describe the seven-stage process of rain-shadow desert formation shown in the diagram, extending from the sea across the mountains to inland areas. While the main features are mentioned, the explanation contains several inaccuracies and misinterpretations of the visual data. For instance, the text claims that 'rain fell due to thunderstorming' and that the dry winds reaching the inland areas 'actually contained rain deops in air', which contradicts the core scientific principle of a rain-shadow desert where the air is dry. Furthermore, the overview sentence is grammatically confused and fails to clearly outline the overarching process. Although the general trajectory from the sea to the inland desert is touched upon, the lack of precision and misunderstanding of key diagram stages keeps this response at a Band 5.0 level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The response is arranged as a single dense paragraph following an introductory sentence, lacking clear paragraph breaks to separate the introduction, body stages, and conclusion. While sequential markers such as 'In the first stage', 'In third stage', and 'In the last stage' are used to guide the reader through the process, the overall progression is frequently disrupted by convoluted sentence structures and referencing issues. Pronouns like 'Which' and 'that' are misused, creating dangling modifiers and making it difficult to follow the logical flow of ideas. Cohesive devices are repetitive and sometimes inaccurate, resulting in a text that lacks smooth transitions between steps. This places the response firmly in the Band 5.0 category for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The lexical range is limited and repetitive, with frequent basic vocabulary choices and numerous spelling or word-form errors (e.g., 'cost' instead of coast, 'sercond', 'formation' used as a verb phrase, 'deops' instead of drops). The student attempts some less common terminology related to the process, such as 'evaporated water', 'thunderstorming', and 'windward side', but these are often used inaccurately or inappropriately in context. While the general topic is understandable, the constant lexical and spelling inaccuracies cause strain for the reader and impede precise communication, aligning with the descriptors for Band 5.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5

The writing displays a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on simple clauses strung together with awkward coordination or subordination. Attempts at complex sentences consistently result in severe grammatical errors, such as fused sentences, missing auxiliary verbs, and incorrect verb tenses (e.g., 'formation of rain is done in seven stages', 'wind approached cost at sea that is linked to mountain'). Punctuation is faulty, and run-on sentences obscure the meaning. Due to the high frequency of grammatical errors and the lack of error-free complex sentences, the grammar score is capped at Band 4.5.

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