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.

Firstly, 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 process includes 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 two 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 provides a clear overview of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You successfully identified the main stages, from the initial moist air movement to the final arid conditions in the inland area. However, the description is somewhat generic and lacks specific detail regarding the physical changes mentioned in the diagram, such as the specific temperature changes or the distinction between the windward and leeward sides. To reach a higher band, ensure you explicitly mention the key labels provided in the diagram (e.g., 'moist air', 'condensation', 'rain', 'dry air') to demonstrate a more comprehensive understanding of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into three paragraphs: an introduction, a body paragraph describing the initial stages, and a final paragraph covering the latter stages. The progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow. You used some cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'The next process', and 'The final two steps' to guide the reader. However, the connection between sentences could be more sophisticated. At times, the transition between steps feels slightly mechanical. Using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing (e.g., 'these new clouds') is always precise would improve the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'natural phenomenon', 'condensing', and 'arid'. However, there are some instances where the word choice could be more precise or academic. For example, 'the whole desert creation process' is a bit informal, and 'tip of the mountain' is not the most accurate geographical term. To improve, try to incorporate more topic-specific terminology related to meteorology or geography, such as 'precipitation', 'prevailing winds', or 'topography', which would demonstrate a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically sound and easy to understand. There are some minor issues with phrasing, such as 'flowing towards the peak of the mountain while turning moist due to low temperature', which is slightly awkward. While there are no major errors that impede communication, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more varied sentence patterns, such as using passive voice to describe the process (e.g., 'moist air is forced upwards') or using more complex subordinating conjunctions.

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

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