Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-13

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 figure illustrates procedures of rain forming in shadow-deserts.

Overall, the processes entail 7 steps, starting form wind approach the coast to rain falls at the peak of the mountain, and in the end dry winds reach inland areas, those steps happen across thousands of kilometers.

To begin with, wind approach the coast and push upward to the highest point of the mountain. In windward side, moist air rises and cool down, which foster to cloud formation and rainfall, respectively.

By the side of leeward, dry air comes down alongside, blowing from the peak to the lower point. Ultimately, dry winds finally reach inland areas, making no rainfall appear in that area; therefore, lead to rain-shadow desert.

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 ability to fully develop the description of the process. While the main features of the rain-shadow effect are identified, the explanation is underdeveloped and lacks the necessary detail to provide a comprehensive summary. The overview is present but brief, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is simplistic. To improve, you must expand on the physical processes described in the diagram, such as the specific temperature changes or the moisture content of the air, to ensure a more thorough report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into a logical sequence, moving from the initial wind approach to the final desert formation. Paragraphing is used, though the paragraphs are quite short due to the overall brevity of the text. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'By the side of', and 'Ultimately' are used to guide the reader through the stages. However, the flow is somewhat mechanical, and the limited length prevents the use of more sophisticated linking structures that would improve the overall cohesion of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected for higher bands. You used some relevant terms like 'moist air', 'cloud formation', and 'rainfall', but there are noticeable errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'procedures of rain forming' (instead of 'the process of rain formation') and 'in windward side' (instead of 'on the windward side'). The range is limited, and the repetition of basic verbs like 'reach' and 'come' restricts the sophistication of the description.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'starting form wind approach' (should be 'starting from the wind approaching'), 'wind approach the coast' (subject-verb agreement error), and 'which foster to cloud formation' (incorrect verb usage). Punctuation is generally functional, but the sentence structure is often awkward. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions and verb forms when describing scientific processes.

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

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