Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)
The given diagram illustrates the formation of rain-shadow deserts. It is a very beautiful image. There are different elements in the image which are sea, coast, mountains, moist air, and dry air. I can also see dry wind and inland. Overall, it is a rain stage, linear processs, starting with wind approach coast, subsequently winds pushed upwards, then moist air rises and cools, after that production of clouds form, then finally rain falls. After rain, dry air continues over mountain, and make them fascinating and beautiful, then dry winds reach inland areas, and ending with the formation of rain-shadow desert. It is a process from sea to inland, that consist of windward side and leeward side of mountains, and it takes about thousands of kilometers.
To conclude, the image is very informative and it gives the comprehensive overview from multiple viewpoints, also reminds us the clear image of rain-shadow dessert formation.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student attempts to describe the diagram showing the formation of rain-shadow deserts, but the response suffers from a major issue: inappropriate academic register and personal commentary. Expressions such as 'It is a very beautiful image' and 'make them fascinating and beautiful' reflect a personal, subjective tone rather than the objective analysis required for Academic Task 1. While the main stages of the process are listed—from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas—the overview lacks formal academic structure. Furthermore, the summarising paragraph is purely evaluative rather than synthesising the core mechanics of the process. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed in an appropriate manner, corresponding to a Band 5.0.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The writing is presented as an unstructured block of text rather than distinct paragraphs. Although cohesive links such as 'subsequently', 'then', 'after that', and 'finally' are used to sequence the stages, the lack of paragraphing severely hinders logical organisation. The text fails to separate the introduction, the body process description, and the conclusion into coherent paragraphs. Additionally, referencing is occasionally repetitive, leading to a mechanical progression. This lack of proper visual layout and paragraph structure places the response firmly in Band 5.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
The student demonstrates a basic and repetitive vocabulary range, relying heavily on direct lifts from the diagram prompts such as 'sea', 'coast', 'mountains', 'moist air', and 'dry air'. There are notable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'rain stage, linear processs' (spelling error) and 'production of clouds form' (redundant phrasing). While the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the basic steps of the diagram, the lack of control over less common items and the presence of basic errors restrict the score to Band 5.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0
The response features a very limited range of grammatical structures, consisting predominantly of simple sentences and strung-out clauses joined by basic conjunctions. There are multiple grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as 'winds approach coast' (missing auxiliary or participle), 'processs' (spelling error in base noun), and 'it takes about thousands of kilometers' (unnatural prepositional use). Punctuation is basic, and complex sentence forms are either absent or faulty. These persistent errors and limited structures align with Band 5.0 descriptors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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