Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22
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 4.5)
The diagram depicts the sequential steps of how a rain-shadow desert is formed.
Overall, There are seven distinct stages. in the initial stage winds approached by the coast and cuminated with dry winds reaches the inland area.
Firstly, winds travells from the coast and are then pushed upwards direction. Therefore, then winds lock the mositure and rises and cools. Moisture-laden winds then meets the windward side of the mountain, then formation of
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 4.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0
The response fails to meet the minimum length requirement of 150 words, standing at only 72 words and ending abruptly mid-sentence. Consequently, it can only address the task minimally. While the introduction correctly identifies the subject matter of the diagram, the body paragraphs break down before providing a complete or adequately detailed summary of the main features and stages of rain-shadow desert formation. To achieve a higher band score, the candidate must fully develop their response and describe all seven key stages illustrated in the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 4.5
The response attempts to use cohesive devices such as 'Overall,' 'Firstly,' and 'Therefore,' to structure the description. However, the logical progression is severely disrupted because the text cuts off mid-sentence at the end of the second body paragraph. Paragraphing is also underdeveloped, with the writing stopping before a complete structure can be formed. Referencing and logical flow cannot be fully maintained due to the extreme brevity of the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is relatively basic and repetitive, with several lexical errors such as 'approached by the coast' instead of 'approaching the coast', 'cuminated' instead of 'culminating', and 'travells'. Words like 'mositure' contain spelling errors. While there are some attempts at process-related vocabulary ('sequential steps', 'moisture-laden'), the overall lexical range is limited and imprecise, directly impacting the clarity of the description.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 4.5
The text displays a very limited range of grammatical structures, consisting mostly of simple and flawed complex attempts. There are frequent grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues ('winds approached', 'winds lock', 'winds then meets') and incorrect prepositional usage. Furthermore, the response is incomplete, finishing with an unfinished clause ('...then formation of'), which significantly lowers the grammatical accuracy and completeness score.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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