Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 process chart illustrates the formation of rain shadow desert,

Overall, this process involves 7 steps. All steps are essential if one of the step is eliminated the whole process will be excluded.

Firstly, winds approach coast then, winds pushed upwards afterwards moist air rises and cools, subsequently, clouds are formed after that, rain falls, subsequently, dry winds reach inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

You identify the process as the formation of a rain-shadow desert and note that it has seven steps, which gives the reader a basic sense of the diagram. However, the account is only a minimal response and is far below the required 150 words. Several important stages are omitted: the clouds and rain are on the windward side, dry air continues over the mountain, and dry winds then reach the inland desert. The claim that every step is essential and that removing one would exclude the whole process is not shown by the diagram. To develop the summary, describe the full sequence and include an overview of how rain on the windward side leaves dry conditions inland.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response follows the general order of the process, beginning with winds approaching the coast and moving towards rainfall and inland conditions. This provides some organisation. However, almost all the information is compressed into one long sequence, with repeated connectors such as “then,” “afterwards,” and “subsequently.” The final transition also skips the stage in which dry air crosses the mountain. The opening and overview are separated, but the body would be clearer if the stages were grouped into a complete progression, using a small number of accurate linking expressions. A separate concluding overview is not essential, but the main contrast between the wet windward side and dry inland side should be made clear.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use several relevant process terms, including “winds,” “moist air,” “clouds,” and “rain,” and the phrase “rises and cools” conveys a key change in the air. However, the vocabulary range is limited, and some choices are inaccurate or awkward for describing a diagram. “Process chart” is less suitable than “process diagram,” while “rain shadow desert” should be written as “rain-shadow desert.” The phrase “the whole process will be excluded” does not express the intended idea clearly. Use precise terms from the diagram, such as “windward side,” “leeward side,” “dry air,” and “inland,” and vary verbs to describe movement and formation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response uses a few basic sentence forms, including an opening statement and a sentence beginning “Overall,” but the range is narrow. Several grammatical errors are noticeable: “formation of rain shadow desert” needs an article, “one of the step” has incorrect singular/plural agreement, and “winds pushed upwards” lacks the auxiliary verb needed for the passive form (“are pushed”). The long sequence of stages is joined with commas and linking words rather than being controlled as a clear sentence, creating punctuation and sentence-boundary problems. Practise accurate passive constructions for processes and use full stops to separate the overview from the stages. These changes would make the sequence easier to follow.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.