Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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 illustrated how desert called rain shadow is formed.

Overall, there are 7 steps it is starts with winds approaching from the sea and in the end dried wind reaches to the inland.

First, winds approach coast from the sea then wind pushed upwards and air become moist. It cool it down make clouds form together in the sky. Rain falls heavily near the windward side of the mountain.

Dry air maintained and goes over the mountain. After that, reaches the othes side of mountain which is leeward side. Lastly, dry wind reaches the inland area and creates the rain shadow desert. It takes thousand of kilometres to form one desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The response attempts to describe the seven steps of rain-shadow desert formation shown in the diagram. However, the task is significantly compromised by failing to meet the minimum word count of 150 words, reaching only 112 words. While the main features—such as winds approaching from the sea, rising over mountains, producing precipitation on the windward side, and creating a desert on the leeward side—are identified, the lack of length prevents full development of the description. There are also inaccuracies in the reporting of the sequence, such as stating that the air 'become moist' after being pushed upwards, whereas the diagram shows moist air rising. Due to the under-length penalty and underdeveloped details, the task achievement is limited.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The text is organized into four brief paragraphs, attempting a rudimentary introduction, an overview, and sequential steps. Cohesive devices are minimal and sometimes mechanical, such as 'First,' and 'After that,'. The progression of ideas is generally understandable and follows the chronological order of the process, but referencing and logical links are occasionally weak or confusing, as seen in the phrase 'It cool it down make clouds form together'. Paragraphing is attempted, but individual paragraphs are underdeveloped due to the overall brevity of the essay. Overall, the organization shows some basic structure but lacks smooth cohesive flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is relatively basic and repetitive, with several instances of awkward word choices and grammatical slips affecting lexical precision. Examples include 'dried wind' instead of 'dry wind', 'maintained' instead of 'maintained its course' or 'continues', and 'the othes side'. The writer attempts some less common subject-specific vocabulary such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'rain shadow desert', but the range remains limited and inadequate for a higher band. Spelling and word formation errors, such as 'illustrated' for 'illustrates' in the opening sentence, further restrict the lexical score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response features a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying mostly on simple sentences with frequent structural errors. There are notable errors in verb tense consistency and subject-verb agreement, such as 'The diagram illustrated' (instead of illustrates) and 'there are 7 steps it is starts with'. Complex structures are attempted but are frequently faulty, for example: 'It cool it down make clouds form together in the sky.' Punctuation and article usage are also weak throughout the text. These frequent errors cause some difficulty for the reader and reflect a weak grasp of control over basic and complex grammar alike.

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

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