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 diagram demonstrates the rain-shadow effects that clouds, showing how clouds form, how rain falls., and how rain shadow region is created.

Overall, the rain shadow process has been divided into few categories. It beginning with air comes from ocean and ending with deserts area. first it goes up and then it ups down though the air.

At the outset, moist air is produced over the sea and moves towards thee shore. initially, it associated with cloud. Secondly, the winds pushed upwards, gradually it goes at the top of the mountain. Predominantly, air gets cool when it connects to high-mountains. However, the rain is fallen gradually in the side of the mountain.

Subsequently, In the opposite side the dry air continues over mountain and there is dryness moreover, all rains are fallen in the first site of the mountain and now there is Leeward area and last the last dry winds reach inland areas where every parts are without moisture.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow process, such as the movement of moist air from the ocean and the subsequent formation of dry conditions inland. However, the description is somewhat superficial and lacks the precision required for a higher band. While the key features are mentioned, the explanation of the process is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'it ups down though the air,' which fails to accurately describe the physical movement of air over a mountain. To improve, ensure that the relationship between the cooling air, condensation, and precipitation is explained more logically and clearly based on the visual evidence provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, 'At the outset,' 'Initially,' and 'Secondly' are used, but the transitions between sentences are frequently disjointed. The referencing is also problematic, as seen in 'all rains are fallen in the first site of the mountain,' where the connection between the mountain's windward side and the resulting dryness is not clearly linked. The overall progression of ideas is present but lacks the smooth flow required for a higher band.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'goes up,' 'goes down,' and 'dryness.' There are several instances of awkward word choice and incorrect collocations, such as 'the rain is fallen' (instead of 'rain falls') and 'first site of the mountain' (likely meaning 'side'). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to describe the scientific process with precision. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more specific terminology related to geography and weather, such as 'precipitation,' 'condensation,' 'leeward,' and 'windward.'

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('the winds pushed,' 'rain is fallen'), article usage ('the opposite side,' 'the last dry winds'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are fragmented or lack proper punctuation, such as the opening sentence which contains unnecessary commas and a confusing structure. While simple sentence forms are attempted, the control over complex structures is weak, leading to frequent errors that distract the reader. Focusing on basic sentence construction and proofreading for verb tenses would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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