Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-26

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)

we will discuss how rain shadow deserts are formed and first of all when winds approach the coast its pushed upwards then moist air rises and cools and clouds are formed rain falls, dry air continues over the mountain leeward side and reaches to the inland areas this is how the cycle works and sea water covers the thousand kilometers from sea cost to the inland(rain shadow desert).from first to fifth point its more likely a moist region then on the other side from sixth point to seventh its dry region and inland area forms overthere.its more likely a natural process and this cycle just goes on and on for a long time. natural disasters occurs sometimes,mountaneous ice melts and floods comes due to landsliding sometimes. weather of inland deserts vary in the morning and night in day time its very hot but during night time its very cold .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main sequence: winds approach the coast, rise over the mountains, cool, form clouds and produce rain, before dry air moves inland. The contrast between a moist windward area and a dry inland area is also relevant. However, the process is only briefly summarised, and there is no clear, separate overview of the defining outcome: rain on the windward side leaves dry conditions beyond the leeward side, where the rain-shadow desert forms. The statement that “sea water covers the thousand kilometers” misreads the diagram’s scale arrow, which indicates distance rather than water coverage. The comments about melting ice, landslides, floods and daily desert temperatures are not shown and distract from the process. Focus on the diagram’s stages and avoid adding unsupported information.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

The response follows the diagram’s general order, and phrases such as “then” and “from first to fifth point” show an attempt to connect stages. However, nearly all the information is placed in one long, loosely connected sequence, so the reader has difficulty distinguishing the overview, process stages and additional comments. The repeated use of “and” creates run-on sentences, while “this is how the cycle works” and “this cycle just goes on and on” do not clarify the sequence. The shift to disasters and temperature changes further weakens progression. Organise the response into a brief overview and a paragraph describing the stages in order, using clear links such as “as a result” and “after crossing the mountain.”

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “clouds,” “rain falls,” “dry air” and “inland areas,” which allows the basic mechanism to be understood. There is also an attempt to distinguish “moist” and “dry” regions. However, the range is limited and some expressions are imprecise or awkward, such as “reaches to the inland areas” and “forms overthere.” “Sea water covers the thousand kilometers” uses the wrong meaning for the diagram’s distance label, and “cycle” is not the clearest term for a sequence of formation stages. Use more precise geographical language, for example “prevailing winds,” “windward slope,” “leeward side” and “rain-shadow desert,” while ensuring each term accurately describes the diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts to link several stages in longer sentences, and the basic sequence can generally be followed. However, sentence structures are limited, and the long chains of clauses are often not controlled with appropriate punctuation. There are errors in agreement and verb forms, as in “its pushed upwards,” “natural disasters occurs,” and “floods comes.” The opening also shifts between “we will discuss” and present-tense process description, while “from first to fifth point its more likely” lacks a clear grammatical structure. Use consistent present simple for the process, check subject–verb agreement, and separate each stage into complete sentences. A few accurately formed complex sentences would improve range without creating run-ons.

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