Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-07

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 5.5)

this diagram illustrate the formation steps of a rain-shadow desert

Overall , the formation of rain-shadow deserts happen in between sea , mountains and land after passing 7 steps , starting from the sea to finally reach the inland area

On the windward side , from the sea the wind approachs the coast and gets pushed upwards after countering the mountains ,in effect moist air rises and cools which forms the clouds , on top of the mountains rain falls before ever reaching the other side .

On the leeward side , dry air continues over mountain reaching the inland areas without bringing no humidity over to the desert side

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the process as the formation of a rain-shadow desert and include its main sequence: coastal winds rise, moisture cools and forms clouds, rain falls on the windward side, and dry air continues inland. However, the overview is unclear when it says the desert forms “in between sea, mountains and land,” and the explanation does not clearly state the key cause-and-effect outcome: the leeward side receives little or no rain, creating a dry inland area. The response also omits the diagram’s indication that the dry winds travel thousands of kilometres. Most importantly, it is below the required 150 words, so several stages and relationships remain underdeveloped. Add a fuller overview and explain each stage more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable progression, moving from an overview to the windward side and then the leeward side. The contrast between “On the windward side” and “On the leeward side” helps the reader follow the process. However, the overview’s phrase “after passing 7 steps” is awkwardly placed, and the stages are compressed into two long sentences, making the sequence less easy to track. Some links are also unclear: “which forms the clouds” could refer to the cooling air or the preceding process, while “before ever reaching the other side” is an imprecise transition. Use separate, logically ordered sentences for the stages and clearer references to the air and mountain sides.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “leeward side,” “moist air,” “dry air,” and “rain-shadow desert,” which shows an adequate range for describing the diagram. Some choices are imprecise or unnatural, however. “After countering the mountains” does not clearly express that the mountains force the winds upwards, and “without bringing no humidity” is an awkward and confusing phrase. “Land” is also less precise than “inland areas” in this context. Aim for accurate collocations and avoid using a negative construction that reverses the intended meaning. More precise verbs such as “ascend,” “cool,” and “continue” would help describe the stages clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and complex structures, for example the sequence beginning “as the wind approachs the coast” and the clause “which forms the clouds.” However, errors in verb forms, agreement, articles, and sentence construction are noticeable. “This diagram illustrate” should use subject–verb agreement, and “the formation … happen” also needs a singular verb. The phrase “without bringing no humidity” uses a double negative, while “from the sea the wind approachs” has an awkward grammatical arrangement. Punctuation and spacing around commas are inconsistent, and the final sentence is a fragment-like continuation of the process. Build accuracy with shorter complete sentences, then combine stages using correctly formed clauses.

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

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