Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-07-30

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)

The process diagram illustrates how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, it can be seen that The formation of rain-shadow deserts consists of seven stages, beginning with winds approach coast and ending with dry winds reach inland areas.

First above the sea winds approach coast. Initially it winds pushed upwards to the mountains. Next winds converts into moist air rises and cools to the windward side. After that it creates various cloud form.

Subsequently, rain falls started. Following this Dry air continues over mountain to the leeward side. Once dry winds reach inland areas and the rain-shadow desert formed. This formation process continue in it self. Then it starts to sea and coat. Mountain also covers thousands of kilometers to this formation. It gives more spaces to thr t

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have identified the main stages of the process, the description is fragmented and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the formation of the rain-shadow desert. The final paragraph is particularly underdeveloped and contains incomplete sentences, such as 'It gives more spaces to thr t', which prevents a clear summary of the process. To improve, ensure you describe each stage of the diagram with sufficient detail and provide a more comprehensive overview of the entire cycle, ensuring the response reaches the required length.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into short paragraphs, but the logical flow is disrupted by grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. While you use some cohesive devices like 'First', 'Subsequently', and 'Following this', the connection between sentences is often mechanical or unclear. The final paragraph lacks coherence, as the sentences do not logically follow the preceding information, and the abrupt ending makes the overall structure feel incomplete. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each sentence logically builds upon the previous one to create a smooth, coherent narrative.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'winds', 'air', and 'formed' throughout the text. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'winds approach coast' (should be 'winds approach the coast') and 'various cloud form' (should be 'various cloud formations'). To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to meteorological processes, such as 'moisture-laden', 'precipitation', 'orographic lift', or 'arid conditions'. Expanding your range of vocabulary will help you describe the process more accurately and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are consistent issues with articles (e.g., 'above the sea winds'), verb tenses ('rain falls started'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack proper subject-verb agreement, such as 'This formation process continue in it self'. You rely primarily on simple sentence structures, and attempts at more complex sentences are often marred by errors. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, including correct article usage and consistent verb tenses, before attempting more complex grammatical structures.

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