Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-14

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 layout demonstrate information about how one type of desert , known as a rain- shadow desert , is formed.

By having a cursory glance , it is lucid that upon the sea winds approach coast . Moreover, winds pushed upwards then moist air coming from ocean rises and cool the temperature. After that, clouds are formed and start raining.

Moving further ahead, after raining it lose moisture and go down from the mountains. However, dry air continues over mountain. Furthermore, dry winds reach inland areas. Lastly, it became a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, process has total 7 steps to form a rain-shadow desert. However whole steps are crystal clear and important , if any step is missed whole process gets disturbed.

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 desert formation are identified, the explanation is overly simplistic and lacks the necessary detail to reach a higher band. The summary of the process is fragmented, and the attempt to count the steps in the conclusion is unnecessary and does not contribute to the task requirements. To improve, you must expand on the description of each stage, ensuring a more comprehensive overview of the meteorological process shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response uses some cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Moving further ahead', and 'However', but these are often used mechanically or inappropriately. The paragraphing is present but the logical flow between sentences is disjointed. For instance, the transition from the description of clouds to the movement of air over the mountain is abrupt. The overall structure lacks the sophistication required for higher bands, as the ideas are presented in a list-like fashion rather than a cohesive narrative of a natural process. Improving the use of linking phrases and ensuring smoother transitions between stages would enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is somewhat limited and occasionally imprecise. While you use some relevant terms like 'moist air', 'inland areas', and 'rain-shadow', the phrasing is often awkward, such as 'By having a cursory glance' or 'the layout demonstrate information'. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'cool the temperature' instead of 'cool the air'. To improve, focus on using more precise scientific or descriptive vocabulary related to geographical processes and ensure that your word choices are natural and contextually appropriate for an academic report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that affect clarity. There are subject-verb agreement issues, such as 'The layout demonstrate' instead of 'demonstrates', and 'it lose moisture' instead of 'it loses'. Additionally, there are errors with articles and prepositions, such as 'upon the sea winds approach coast'. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and the attempts at more complex sentences are often marred by grammatical inaccuracies. To achieve a higher score, you need to demonstrate better control over basic grammar, including verb tenses and pluralization, and aim to incorporate a wider variety of accurate complex sentence structures.

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

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