Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-02
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 provided diagram depict the information about how rain shadow desert produced .
Overall, it can be clearly seen that there are seven steps in which are used to make desert from rain. All, the steps are interlinked with each other , omission of any step any step may hault the whole diagram.
After ananlysing the process it can be clearly observed that in initial step win dis generate near the coastal areasnan other step the wind is pushes upward towards the mountain. Third, winds cools down moist air rises through clouds . Moreover, moist air convert tis in clouds .Fifth, rain falls starts on the high temperature whilh help to grow the mountain
Further, when dry winds start in summer months then the ice start melting which stored on the top of mountain. In last step in water comes downward leeward side the water enters in dry land of desert
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response attempts to describe the process of rain-shadow desert formation, but it fails to accurately represent the information provided in the diagram. The description of the steps is confusing and contains factual inaccuracies, such as claiming that rain helps the mountain grow or that ice melts in summer to create the desert. The summary lacks a clear overview of the process, and the sequence of events is difficult to follow. While the response addresses the task, the lack of clarity and the misinterpretation of the visual data significantly hinder the communication of the main features. To improve, focus on accurately describing the movement of air, the cooling process, and the resulting precipitation patterns as shown in the diagram.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is divided into paragraphs, but the logical progression is weak. The use of cohesive devices is mechanical and sometimes misused, such as 'All, the steps are interlinked with each other'. The transition between steps is often abrupt, and the referencing is unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the sequence of the process. The overall structure lacks the necessary flow required for a high-band response. Improving the use of linking words (e.g., 'subsequently', 'following this', 'as a result') and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one would greatly enhance the coherence of the writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, which restricts the ability to describe the process with precision. There are several spelling errors (e.g., 'ananlysing', 'hault', 'whilh') and word choice issues (e.g., 'win dis generate' instead of 'winds are generated'). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to convey the technical nature of the diagram effectively. To improve, you should focus on learning topic-specific vocabulary related to geography and weather processes, such as 'moisture-laden', 'leeward side', 'condensation', and 'precipitation'. Additionally, proofreading for basic spelling errors is essential to ensure that the reader is not distracted from the content.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains frequent grammatical errors that impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'wind is pushes'), article usage (e.g., 'in initial step'), and sentence structure. The attempt to use complex sentences is often unsuccessful, leading to fragmented or confusing phrasing. The majority of the sentences contain errors, which limits the range and accuracy of the writing. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, specifically ensuring that subjects and verbs agree and that prepositions are used correctly. Practicing the correct use of articles and verb tenses will also help to increase the accuracy of your writing.
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