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 below shows the formation of one type of desert. It is called a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process generally involves several stages. First, the winds approach the coast. Finally, the dry winds reach inland areas thousands of kilometers away.

At the first stage, the winds approach the sea inside the coast, and then the second stage is winds pushed upwards and mixed moist air rises and cools, which is the third stage.

Secondly, the fourth stage is converted into cloud formation, and the fifth stage is clouds producing rain. This process happened in the middle of the windward side, where precipitation occurs.

In addition, the sixth stage is the dry air, which continues over the mountains between the leeward side, and the dry winds reach inland areas, which create the area known as a rain-shadow desert, a thousand kilometers away from the coast, which had a final stage.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The student attempts to summarise the diagram illustrating the formation of a rain-shadow desert, meeting the minimum length requirement of 150 words. However, the task achievement is limited because the description relies too heavily on mechanically labeling individual numerical stages (e.g., 'At the first stage', 'the second stage', 'the fourth stage') rather than fluently describing the physical process. While the overview mentions the initial approach of winds and the final dry inland areas, it fails to clearly synthesise the key features of the diagram, such as the contrast between the wet windward side and the dry leeward side. There are also inaccuracies in describing the locations, such as stating that 'winds approach the sea inside the coast', which misinterprets the diagram's spatial layout. Consequently, the response achieves a Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The text is divided into four paragraphs, which shows an attempt at logical structure. However, the progression of ideas is frequently disrupted by awkward referencing and mechanical cohesive devices, such as listing the stages explicitly ('At the first stage', 'Secondly, the fourth stage', 'In addition, the sixth stage'). Paragraphing is disjointed, with individual steps separated rather than grouped into coherent phases of the process (such as the rising moist air versus the descending dry air). Pronoun referencing and connective phrasing are occasionally unclear or repetitive, resulting in an overall arrangement that feels mechanical rather than naturally flowing. This performance aligns with Band 5.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The student uses a basic and repetitive vocabulary range, relying heavily on terms provided directly in the prompt (e.g., 'winds', 'coast', 'stage', 'desert'). There are noticeable lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as 'mixed moist air rises' and 'converted into cloud formation', which sound unnatural and impede precise communication. Less common lexical items are attempted but handled with frequent errors in collocation and phrasing (e.g., 'which create the area known as a rain-shadow desert'). Spelling is generally accurate, but the limited control over vocabulary and lack of precision restrict the score to Band 5.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but control over grammar is inconsistent. There are numerous awkward relative clauses and run-on sentences that make comprehension difficult, such as 'In addition, the sixth stage is the dry air, which continues over the mountains between the leeward side, and the dry winds reach inland areas, which create the area known as a rain-shadow desert...' Frequent structural flaws, faulty subordination, and preposition errors are present throughout the text. While simple sentences are generally understandable, complex structures are frequently faulty, placing this response firmly at Band 5.0.

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

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