Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-10

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 illustration depicts the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the whole desert creation process revolves around a mountain that separates the sea and the inland area by thousands of kilometres. This natural phenomenon starts with the winds approaching the coastal area and passing through several stages and eventually changing to dry winds.

The winds blow towards the coastal area of the sea flowing towards the peak of the mountain while turning moist due to low temperature. The next steps include the moist air condensing and forming into clouds near the windward side. These new clouds eventually travel to the tip of the mountain and on the fifth step the rain starts falling.

The final steps include the dry air continuing from the leeward side of the mountain and reaching the inland area respectively. The final step is when the drier wind reaches the inland area creating a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, but the description is somewhat superficial. While you identify the key steps, the explanation of the scientific mechanism is slightly inaccurate; for instance, air does not turn moist due to low temperature, but rather cools as it rises, leading to condensation. The summary of the process is clear, but it lacks a more detailed analysis of the transition between the windward and leeward sides. To reach a higher band, ensure that the scientific relationships between the variables (moisture, temperature, and altitude) are described with greater precision and depth.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction and a progression that follows the steps of the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical, relying heavily on phrases like 'The next steps include' and 'The final steps include'. To improve, try to vary your linking words and use more sophisticated referencing to connect the stages of the process more fluidly, rather than simply listing them as sequential steps.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms such as 'natural phenomenon', 'condensing', and 'leeward side' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a lack of more precise, academic collocations. Some phrasing is slightly repetitive, such as the repeated use of 'coastal area' and 'inland area'. To improve, incorporate more varied vocabulary related to meteorological processes and geographical features to show a greater level of lexical flexibility and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the grammar is generally accurate and communication is not impeded, there are some minor issues with phrasing and word order, such as 'the whole desert creation process revolves around a mountain that separates the sea and the inland area by thousands of kilometres'. The sentence structures are functional but lack the variety and sophistication required for a higher band. Focus on integrating more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or relative clauses, to describe the process more effectively.

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

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