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)

The diagram shows the formation of rain-shadow deserts in through various stages.

From an overall perspective, The formation of rain-shadow deserts first stage is to winds approach coast from sea after that winds pushed upwards where moist air rises and cool from that it the formation of cloud next stage is comes rain falls over a mountains.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

You identify the topic and mention several early stages, including winds approaching the coast, rising air, cloud formation and rainfall. However, the response reports only part of the process: it omits the dry air crossing the mountain, the dry winds reaching inland, and the resulting rain-shadow desert. The overview is also unclear and does not summarise the key contrast between rain on the windward side and dry conditions beyond the leeward side. The required minimum length is not met: the response contains 57 words rather than at least 150, leaving too little detail to adequately summarise the diagram. To improve, describe the full sequence and include a clear overall statement of how the mountain creates the desert.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic attempt to present the stages in sequence, using phrases such as “first stage,” “after that,” and “next stage.” This gives the reader some sense of progression. However, the response is a single, overloaded sentence after the opening, and the links between stages are often unclear—for example, “from that it the formation of cloud next stage is comes rain falls.” The overview phrase “From an overall perspective” does not lead into a clearly organised summary. Separate the overview from the process description, then use short, ordered sentences and clear connectors such as “as a result” and “finally” to make the sequence easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses relevant basic vocabulary from the diagram, including “coast,” “sea,” “moist air,” “cloud,” and “rain falls,” so the general topic is recognisable. However, the range is narrow and some phrases are inaccurate or awkward, such as “formation of cloud” and “over a mountains.” Repetition of “stage” and “winds” also limits precision. Use the diagram’s terms more accurately and add process vocabulary to distinguish the two sides of the mountain and the final inland outcome. For example, “windward side,” “leeward side,” “precipitation,” and “dry air” would help convey the stages more clearly and avoid relying on repeated basic wording.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

You attempt to connect several stages in one sentence, but the sentence structure is not controlled enough to make the relationships clear. For instance, “winds pushed upwards where moist air rises and cool” shifts between past and present forms, while “from that it the formation of cloud next stage is comes rain falls” lacks a workable grammatical structure. There are also problems with articles and number in “over a mountains,” and the capital letter in “The” after the opening comma is unnecessary. Use consistent present simple forms for a process, such as “The winds rise, the air cools, and clouds form.” Building the account from complete, shorter sentences will improve accuracy and readability.

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