Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-03

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 layout illustrates the type of desert called a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, it is crystal clear that there are exactly seven steps which commence from wind approaching the coast and culminating with dry winds reaching inland areas, while it also contains sea, coast and inland which is thousands of kilometers away from inland.

At a fleeting glance, in the first and foremost step is winds reach coast from sea which pushed upwards in later step. Prior to cloud formation the moist air rises and cools on windward side. In following step, clouds become dark colour and finally rain falls.

Moving ahead, in next step, dark clouds releases rain on mountains while the dry air continues over the mountain to leeward side. The dry air follow a downward position and the temperature decreases before reaching inland areas. In ultimate step, dry winds reach rain-shadow desert areas which is far away from sea and coast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, identifying the key features such as the windward side, mountain range, and leeward side. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the relationship between the stages. While the main features are reported, the explanation of the process is slightly simplistic. The student identifies seven steps, but the connection between the cooling of air and the resulting precipitation could be more clearly articulated to demonstrate a higher level of understanding. Overall, the response addresses the task requirements adequately but lacks the depth of analysis expected for a higher band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'In following step', 'Moving ahead', and 'In ultimate step', although some of these transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, though some sentences, such as the second sentence of the second paragraph, are slightly awkward in their construction, which impacts the flow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and the detailed steps of the process.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is sufficient for the task, allowing the student to describe the process with some precision (e.g., 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side'). However, there are instances of awkward phrasing and word choice, such as 'At a fleeting glance' (which is not an appropriate phrase for a process description) and 'dark colour' to describe clouds. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on basic descriptors. To improve, the student should focus on using more precise scientific or descriptive terminology related to weather patterns and geography.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text, such as 'the type of desert called a rain-shadow desert is formed' (missing 'how'), 'dark clouds releases' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'dry air follow' (subject-verb agreement error). Additionally, there are issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to suggest a lack of control over complex structures. A greater focus on subject-verb agreement and sentence construction is necessary.

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