Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-12

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 shows how a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, there are some steps in this process. It starts from the sea and ends with a dry area behind the mountain.

First, the wind comes from the sea. The wind goes to the mountain and pushes the air up. The air is moist and when it goes up, it becomes cooler. Then clouds are made and rain starts to fall.

After this, a lot of rain falls on the windward side of the mountain. Because of this, this side has more water. Then the air goes over the mountain. When it goes to the other side, the air is dry.

Finally, the dry air goes down the mountain. There is not much rain on this side. The weather becomes dry and the land becomes a desert. This is called a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the sea to the formation of the rain-shadow desert. However, the response is 142 words, which is below the 150-word minimum requirement. This negatively impacts the task achievement score. While the key features are identified, the description lacks the necessary detail and depth expected for an Academic Task 1 response. To improve, you should expand on the scientific mechanisms, such as the specific temperature changes or the concept of 'moisture-laden' air, to provide a more comprehensive summary of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into short, logical paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After this', 'Then', and 'Finally' to guide the reader. However, the transitions are somewhat mechanical and repetitive. The paragraphing is clear, but the overall flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and phrases to connect ideas more fluidly rather than relying on simple sentence-by-sentence progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. You use simple terms like 'wind', 'sea', 'mountain', and 'dry'. While these are accurate, they do not demonstrate the range of vocabulary required for higher bands. To improve, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific terminology such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', 'condensation', 'leeward side', or 'arid'. The current range is sufficient to communicate the main points, but it lacks the flexibility and sophistication needed for a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The grammar is generally accurate, and your meaning is always clear. You rely heavily on simple sentence structures (e.g., 'The wind comes from the sea', 'The air is moist'). While there are few errors, there is a lack of complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or passive voice, which are essential for describing processes in Academic Task 1. To improve, try to combine sentences using subordinating conjunctions or relative pronouns to create more complex and varied grammatical patterns.

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

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