Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-09

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 diagram illustrates one type of formation in a desert, as a rain shadow desert.

Overall, this process shows how the sea plays a prominent role in rain falling in the mountains and the rain shadow desert being created.

Firstly, winds approach the coast from sea level, then winds are pushed upwards to the mountains. Moisture in the air rises and cools the whole environment on the windward side. However, clouds are created by moisture in the air on the mountain.

In addition, clouds form on the mountain, and then it starts raining on top of the mountain. Therefore, dry air continues through the mountain on the Leeward side. After that, dry winds reach in the inland areas of the mountain and complete the rain shadow desert of thousands of kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the development of the task. While you have identified the main stages of the process, the description is quite brief and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the mechanism of a rain-shadow desert. For example, the transition from moisture-laden air to the dry leeward side is described in very general terms. To improve, you should expand on the specific stages shown in the diagram, such as the cooling process, condensation, and the specific difference in precipitation levels between the windward and leeward sides. Because the response is under-length and lacks sufficient detail, it cannot reach a higher band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay has a basic logical structure, moving from an introduction to the process description. You use some cohesive devices like 'Firstly', 'In addition', and 'Therefore' to link ideas. However, the progression is somewhat mechanical, and the paragraphing is underdeveloped. The connection between the sentences is sometimes abrupt, particularly in the second paragraph. To improve, ensure that each paragraph has a clear focus and use a wider variety of linking words to create a smoother flow between the stages of the process. The referencing of the diagram's features is clear, but the overall organization lacks the sophistication required for higher bands.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite limited and repetitive. You rely on basic terms like 'winds', 'clouds', and 'mountains' throughout the text. There is little attempt to use more precise or academic vocabulary related to geography or meteorology, such as 'precipitation', 'saturated', 'arid', or 'topography'. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of variety and the use of simple collocations prevent a higher score. To improve, try to incorporate more topic-specific terminology and vary your word choices to describe the movement of air and the formation of the desert more precisely.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'as a rain shadow desert' (should be 'known as a rain shadow desert') and 'reach in the inland areas' (should be 'reach the inland areas'). Additionally, the phrasing 'complete the rain shadow desert of thousands of kilometres' is awkward and unclear. While the errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to be noticeable. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions. Increasing the variety of complex sentence structures while ensuring accuracy will also help raise your score.

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

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