Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-06

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 4.0)

winds flows near sea and move in upward direction which results moist air rises and cools in wind side direction hence clouds formed and suddenly rain falls after that dry air covers the mountains in leaward side after that dry wind reach near island areas

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response is severely penalised because it falls far below the minimum requirement of 150 words, containing only 45 words. Consequently, the description of the rain-shadow desert formation process is extremely minimal and partial. While the student attempts to trace the sequence from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas, the information is presented in a single, highly compressed block without adequate elaboration, a clear overview, or proper selection of main features. Ideas are underdeveloped, and major stages of the visual data are glossed over with general statements. To improve, the student must ensure they write at least the required 150 words and expand upon every stage of the diagram systematically.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

The text lacks any paragraphing, consisting of a single, run-on sentence string that presents ideas continuously without clear pauses or structural divisions. Cohesive devices are extremely limited and repetitive, relying almost exclusively on basic conjunctions and repetitive transitional phrases such as 'after that' to link clauses. There is no clear overall progression or logical structure guiding the reader smoothly through the sequential stages of the diagram. To improve coherence and cohesion, the student should organise the response into logical paragraphs—such as an introduction, an overview, and separate body paragraphs detailing the windward and leeward processes—and employ a wider range of appropriate cohesive devices to sequence the stages naturally.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The vocabulary used is basic and repetitive, struggling to accurately convey the precise scientific and geographical terms required for a process diagram. The student makes noticeable word choice and form errors, such as using 'island areas' instead of 'inland areas' and 'leaward' instead of 'leeward'. Other phrases, such as 'winds flows near sea', demonstrate limited control over collocations and word forms. While the meaning is partially discernible, the restricted range and frequent lexical inaccuracies cause difficulty for the reader. To achieve a higher band, the student needs to incorporate precise subject-specific vocabulary related to weather and geography, and ensure correct spelling and word formation throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The writing relies on a very limited range of sentence structures, primarily consisting of poorly linked clauses strung together in a run-on fashion without proper punctuation. There are frequent grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues ('winds flows'), missing articles ('near sea'), and incorrect prepositional usage ('in wind side direction'). Clauses are awkwardly fused together without commas or full stops, resulting in a severe lack of sentence boundary control. To improve, the student must practice writing distinct, grammatically accurate sentences, incorporating a mix of simple and complex structures while paying careful attention to verbs, articles, and punctuation.

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

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