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 given process diagram illustrates the formation of rain shadow deserts .it is cyclic process. there are 7 steps included.

overall, it can be seen that it is very complicated process .it contain many steps staring with the winds approaching the coast and end with the dry winds reached inland areas and formation of the dry desert.

to begin with initially, winds come from sea towards the coast after that wind move upward the mountain. in the third step , moist air rises and cools and formulating the cloud. after that rain falls towards the windward side of the mountain and remaining dry air move towards the leeward side of the mountain.in later on dry wind move into inland areas, rain fall start invery small amount and form the rain shadow desert. it situated thousands of kilometres away from the coast .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response provides a basic overview of the process, but it fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While the main stages are identified, the description lacks the depth and analytical detail required for a high band score. The summary of the process is somewhat superficial, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides could be more clearly articulated. To improve, you should expand on the physical mechanisms described in the diagram, such as the specific impact of altitude on temperature and moisture, and ensure the response meets the length requirement to fully develop the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into three short paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'after that'. The progression of ideas is logical, but the transitions between sentences are often abrupt, making the flow feel disjointed. To improve, you should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'subsequently', 'consequently', 'as a result') to connect your ideas more fluidly. Additionally, ensure that your paragraphing is balanced, as the current structure is quite sparse.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels. You rely on simple descriptors like 'very complicated' and 'very small amount', which are not ideal for an academic report. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'formulating the cloud' instead of 'forming clouds' or 'cloud formation'. To improve, focus on using more precise scientific terminology related to weather processes, such as 'condensation', 'precipitation', and 'arid conditions', and work on using more sophisticated adjectives and adverbs to describe the process.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation. Issues include missing articles ('the' formation, 'the' sea), incorrect verb forms ('dry winds reached' instead of 'reaching'), and punctuation errors, such as missing spaces after periods. These errors occasionally distract the reader, although they do not fully impede communication. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent tense usage (the process should be described in the present tense), and proper sentence punctuation. Practising the use of relative clauses would also help increase your grammatical range.

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

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