Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-07

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)

There are several steps in the given diagram shows how rain-shadow deserts. These steps start from the Ocation to rain on Mountains and at the end dry winds reach inland areas over there it became Rain-Shadow desert.

The process of Rain-Shadow desert began from the oction where there winds approch coast of water in secound step that winds pushed upwards where there it Moist air rieses and cools that place known as Windward side. After that, this Moist air change into the clouds.

These Clouds move with the wind on the top of the Mountains where there it start raining from that mountain that Dru air continues over mounting and pass leeward side of the mountain. Passing this stage in moves on the Land where it known as Dry winds reach inland areas on this point land adopt the moist from the dry air and apsorp it on he uper lear of the mude which is known as Rain-Shadow desert.

if we have a look on the distance between Sea and tha Desert it self it is around Thousands of Kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main sequence, from winds approaching the coast to rain falling on the mountains and dry winds reaching inland, and you mention the windward and leeward sides. These details show a relevant understanding of the diagram. However, the overview is unclear, and some explanations are inaccurate or unsupported: the diagram does not say that inland land absorbs moisture from the dry air or that this creates the desert through absorption. The distance label indicates a horizontal scale of thousands of kilometres, rather than a measured distance specifically between the sea and desert. To strengthen the response, give a concise overview of the key contrast: moist air rises and rains on the windward side, while descending dry air creates arid conditions inland on the leeward side.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response follows the broad order of the process, and phrases such as “After that” and “Passing this stage” help signal sequence. However, the progression is not consistently clear because several stages are crowded into long sentences, with unclear references such as “where there it” and “that place.” The opening also repeats the process description without providing a clear overview, while the final distance comment feels detached from the explanation. Organise the response into a brief introduction and overview, followed by a step-by-step account. Use one sentence for each connected group of stages and make references explicit—for example, state clearly that the air rises over the windward slope, then descends on the leeward side.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant process vocabulary, including “coast,” “Windward side,” “clouds,” “Leeward side,” and “dry winds,” so the topic is generally recognisable. However, the range is limited and several inaccurate word choices or spellings make parts difficult to understand, such as “Ocation,” “oction,” “Dru air,” and “apsorp.” Phrases like “land adopt the moist from the dry air” are also unclear and do not accurately describe the diagram. Aim for precise process language and check spelling carefully. Useful terms include “moist air,” “precipitation,” “descend,” and “arid conditions”; use them only where they accurately describe the stages shown.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

There are attempts to connect stages in longer sentences, but sentence structures are often faulty, and errors frequently make relationships between ideas difficult to follow. For example, “There are several steps in the given diagram shows” combines two structures incorrectly, while “These steps start from the Ocation to rain on Mountains” lacks a clear grammatical pattern. Verb forms and sentence boundaries are also problematic in “where there it start raining” and “Passing this stage in moves on the Land.” Use straightforward, complete sentences first: “The winds approach the coast and are forced upwards by the mountains.” Then add a few accurate complex sentences with “as” or “while.” Check subject–verb agreement, articles, and punctuation when editing.

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

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