Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-30

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 given digram reflects about how one type of desert ,formation of rain-shadow deserts thousands of kilometers.

Overall,this diagram show 7 step how one type of desert the formation of rain-shadow desert start with winds approach coast form sea, at the end last step end with dry winds reach inland areas.

In this diagram, first step start form sea winds are approach coast followed by second step is winds pushed upwars moreover, third step is moist air rises and cools in windward side step four is all water evopour formation in cloud form after this step step six is rain falls.

In this diagram last second step is 6 after rain falls dry air continues over mountain in leeward side to step seven that was end dry winds reach inland areas after this view rain shadow in desert this process between thousands of kilometres all step are coverd mountians in this diagrams .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response attempts to summarise the diagram illustrating the formation of rain-shadow deserts. The candidate identifies key stages of the process, such as winds approaching the coast, rising and cooling, cloud formation, precipitation, and dry winds reaching inland areas. However, the description is somewhat confused and repetitive, particularly regarding the numbering of the steps and the specific geographical features like the windward and leeward sides. While an overview is attempted, it is awkwardly phrased and lacks the clarity and precision expected at higher bands. The response addresses the main features of the task, but the execution is limited and disjointed, aligning with a Band 5 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The text lacks clear overall progression and logical paragraphing. It is written as a dense block of text with rudimentary attempts at transitions, such as 'Overall, this diagram show...' and 'In this diagram, first step start...'. The referencing of steps is confusing, with erratic jumps between step numbers and geographical locations (e.g., mixing up step numbers and sequence). Cohesive devices are often repetitive and mechanically used rather than functioning naturally to guide the reader through the visual data, placing this aspect of the writing firmly at Band 4.5 to 5.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive, featuring numerous spelling errors ('digram' for diagram, 'upwars' for upwards, 'evopour' for evaporation, 'coverd' for covered) and inaccurate word forms ('formation' used as a verb). While some topic-specific terms from the prompt are successfully utilised (e.g., 'rain-shadow desert', 'windward side', 'inland areas'), the overall range of vocabulary is restricted and inadequate for precise reporting. Errors in word choice and spelling frequently cause strain for the reader, which is characteristic of a Band 4.0 lexical profile.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.0

Grammatical control is weak throughout the response. The text contains frequent, disruptive errors in sentence structure, verb forms, and prepositions, such as 'The given digram reflects about how...' and 'first step start form sea winds are approach coast'. Simple sentences are often poorly constructed, and attempts at more complex structures fail due to severe syntactical errors and a lack of subordination. Punctuation is also erratic, with missing or misplaced commas affecting readability. These pervasive inaccuracies correspond to a Band 4.0 level.

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

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