Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-07

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)

The given pictorial representation illustrate the formation of a type of desert known as rain-shadow desert.

The process begins when winds from the sea approach the coast and are forced to rise as they reach the mountains. As the moist air moves upward, it cools and form clouds. This results in rainfall on the windward side of the mountain.

After the rainfall breeze travels thousands of kilometer to reach the Leeward side, the air becomes dry and continues to move over the mountain towards the leeward side. As it descends, these dry winds reach the inland areas, where they create a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, it can be seen that the formation of rain-shadow deserts involves seven steps starting from wind approaching to the cost to formation of clouds due to moist air which results into rainfall followed by these moist air descends in the Leeward region and become dry air leads to formation of rain -shadow desert

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the key stages of the rain-shadow effect. However, the description is somewhat superficial. While you mention the wind approaching the coast and the formation of clouds, the explanation of the process lacks precision in describing the physical changes (e.g., the loss of moisture). The summary in the final paragraph is a bit repetitive and does not add new information or synthesize the data effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure that you clearly contrast the windward side with the leeward side, emphasizing the difference in precipitation and humidity levels.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure for a report. You use some cohesive devices such as 'The process begins', 'As the moist air', and 'After the rainfall'. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, such as the transition between the second and third paragraphs. The final paragraph is a long, run-on sentence that lacks clear punctuation, making the progression of ideas feel slightly mechanical. Using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring clear sentence boundaries would improve the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'pictorial representation', 'moist air', and 'leeward side' used correctly. However, there are some inaccuracies and spelling errors, such as 'cost' instead of 'coast' and 'kilometer' instead of 'kilometers'. The range is somewhat limited, and the phrasing in the final paragraph is repetitive, using 'formation' and 'air' multiple times. To improve, try to incorporate more precise scientific vocabulary related to meteorology and avoid repeating the same nouns and verbs in close proximity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but accuracy is inconsistent. You have several subject-verb agreement errors, such as 'The given pictorial representation illustrate' (should be 'illustrates') and 'it cools and form clouds' (should be 'forms'). Additionally, there are punctuation issues, particularly in the final paragraph, which lacks necessary commas and periods to separate clauses. While the meaning is generally clear, these frequent minor errors prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focus on proofreading for basic agreement and punctuation to enhance clarity.

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

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