Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-26
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 illustrates the process of how one type of desert, The formation of rain-shadow deserts.
Overall, the process consists of 7 main stages, beginning with the Wind approach at coast and ending with a Dry winds reaching inland areas. For the end resulting, rain-shadow desert in land areas of desert.
Initially, wind approach at coasts of sea. Following this, Winds pushed in upwards direction. Once this has been completed, the moist air increases and cools the wind and the tempurature. The resulting cloud formation is then happened before the main rain falls.
In the next stage, Rain falls at the top of the mountains. Subsequently, dry air continues over mountains in the leeward side. Finally, the dry winds reach inland areas resulting in a rain-shadow desert. During this whole process starting from coast to ending to the winds in inland areas totally covers thousands of kilometers for the formation of rain-shadow desert.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student attempts to cover the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation diagram, referencing the sea, coast, winds, moisture, clouds, rain, and inland desert. However, the opening sentence is grammatically incomplete and fails to properly introduce the graphic ('The diagram illustrates the process of how one type of desert, The formation of rain-shadow deserts'). While the sequence of 7 stages is largely followed, the description contains several awkward phrases and minor inaccuracies, such as stating that 'moist air increases and cools the wind and the tempurature' and that cloud formation 'is then happened'. The overview is somewhat repetitive and mechanically structured ('Overall, the process consists of 7 main stages...'). Ideas are presented, but development lacks fluency and precision. This performance aligns best with Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The response is divided into logical paragraphs separating the introduction, initial stages, and later stages. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Following this', 'In the next stage', and 'Finally' are used to sequence the information. However, referencing and paragraph links are sometimes mechanical and repetitive. The progression is visible but stilted due to awkward transitions and punctuation issues. Paragraphing is attempted, but paragraph boundaries feel abrupt. This meets the criteria for Band 5.5, showing some organization and basic cohesive devices, though control is inconsistent.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive, relying heavily on terms directly copied from the prompt, such as 'wind approach at coasts', 'moist air', 'rain-shadow desert', and 'inland areas'. There are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word formations, such as 'For the end resulting', 'tempurature' (spelling error), and 'cloud formation is then happened'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with limited success and unnatural collocation. The range is minimally adequate for the task, which corresponds to a Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control over grammar is weak. There are frequent errors in verb forms, voice, and prepositions, such as 'wind approach at coasts' (subject-verb agreement), 'Winds pushed in upwards direction' (missing article and passive voice issues), and 'starting from coast to ending to the winds'. Spelling is generally acceptable apart from 'tempurature'. Punctuation is basic. While some sentences are clear, the frequent grammatical inaccuracies cause hesitation and occasional difficulty for the reader, placing this firmly at Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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