Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-05

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 displays the information of how one type of desert are known as a rain-shadow desert is formed .

Overall, there are seven mainly stages of the formation of rain-shadow deserts from winds coast to thousands of kilometres inland areas .

The formation of rain-shadow deserts are firstly, the sea approach winds coast from surface to pushes the winds upwards the water in air . However, Moist air and rises the water and making them cools which change the shape of water into clouds form windward side of mountains the clouds had a water under them and consequently, The rain falls from sky and cloud falling down water . Although, the air is become dry and the dry air is leewards side the air continues over the mountain . In additional the dry winds reach in inland areas after travelling from thousands of kilometres . This hole process is called as rain-shadow desert process .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the task partially. While the overview attempts to outline the seven stages of rain-shadow desert formation, the explanation of the process lacks clarity and contains a number of inaccurate details, such as confusing the progression of moist air with the movement of the sea. Furthermore, the length requirement of 150 words was not met, as the response contains only 149 words, with several words copied directly from the prompt. To move to a higher band, the student must provide a more accurate and fully developed description of the visual data without lifting large phrases directly from the prompt, and must ensure the word count exceeds the minimum threshold.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some organisation evident in the structure, starting with an introductory sentence, a brief overview, and a body paragraph detailing the process. However, there is no clear overall progression due to confusing transitions and mechanical cohesive devices such as 'However,', 'Although,', and 'In additional'. Paragraphing is also inadequate, as the entire main body of the process is compressed into a single, dense paragraph. To improve Coherence and Cohesion, the writer needs to group related stages into separate, logical paragraphs and use cohesive devices more accurately to guide the reader smoothly through the sequence of events.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is limited and barely adequate for the task. The student relies on basic terms and struggles with word choice and collocation, resulting in awkward phrases such as 'sea approach winds coast' and 'This hole process'. There are also noticeable errors in word forms and parts of speech, such as using 'holed' instead of whole, which occasionally causes difficulty for the reader. To achieve a higher band, the student should expand their range of vocabulary, incorporating more precise terms related to geographical processes and weather patterns, and pay closer attention to correct word forms and spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response displays a very limited range of grammatical structures, relying heavily on simple sentences that are frequently marred by structural errors. Attempts at complex sentences often result in faulty syntax and severe grammatical breakdown, as seen in 'the diagram displays the information of how one type of desert are known as a rain-shadow desert is formed'. There are frequent errors in verb forms, subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'desert are known'), articles, and prepositions throughout the text. To improve, the student needs to develop better control over basic sentence construction, reduce grammatical errors, and learn how to form accurate complex sentences.

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

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