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)

This diagram illustrates the formed of a rain-shadow desert by adopting the seven steps.

Overall, the first step is the winds approach coast above the sea level and complet the whole procedure on covered seven steps. It reached the dry winds inlands areas.

Firstly, above the sea, the winds approach the coast. Secondly, these winds pushed upwards and moist air rises and cools at the stage three. Fourthly, clouds form seen above the windward side. Fiftly, Rain falls started at the top of the mountain. Whereas, on the other side of the mountain, dry air continues over the mountain at the stage six. This type of situation shown on leaward side. In addition, on the stage seven, dry winds reach inland areas.

In short, there are two sides of the mountain. One side is the sea side and other side is the inland or Rain-Shaddow desert. Total areas of the mountain consisted of thousands of kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response attempts to summarise the seven-step process of rain-shadow desert formation shown in the diagram. An overview is provided, noting the two sides of the mountain and the scale of thousands of kilometres. However, there are significant flaws in task coverage and data reporting. The text contains numerous awkward descriptions and inaccuracies, such as stating 'the formed of a rain-shadow desert' and 'Rain falls started at the top of the mountain' where precipitation is actually concentrated on the windward side and peak. The information is partially covered, but the awkward phrasing and mechanical listing of stages prevent the response from achieving a higher band. It satisfies the basic requirements of summarising the main features, earning a band score of 5.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The essay is organised into a brief introduction, a body paragraph detailing the numbered steps, and a short concluding paragraph. While some cohesive devices and sequencing markers are used (e.g., 'Firstly, above the sea', 'Secondly', 'Fourthly', 'In short'), their usage is often mechanical and accompanied by structural awkwardness. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping of ideas lacks smooth progression. Referencing is occasionally unclear, such as 'This type of situation shown on leaward side.' Overall, there is some organisation, but cohesion is frequently faulty and repetitive, reflecting the descriptors for Band 5.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive, with noticeable word-choice and morphological errors throughout the text. Examples include 'the formed' instead of 'formation', 'complet' instead of 'complete', 'inlands areas', and 'Rain-Shaddow'. While the student attempts some less common terms related to the diagram (such as 'windward side', 'leaward side', and 'inland areas'), the numerous lexical errors cause strain for the reader and reflect a limited, minimally adequate range appropriate for a Band 5.0 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying primarily on simple sentences and flawed attempts at complex clauses. There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, such as 'the winds approach coast above the sea level and complet the whole procedure on covered seven steps', 'moist air rises and cools at the stage three', and 'Total areas of the mountain consisted of thousands of kilometres.' Punctuation and verb tense consistency are also problematic. These frequent errors cause difficulty for the reader and correspond directly to the Band 4.5 or 5.0 descriptors; a score of 5.0 is awarded.

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

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