Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-17

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 below illustrates a desert which is one of a kind, called rain-shadow desert, is formed. Overall, the formation of rain-shadow desert happens in seven steps. The whole process takes place around thousands of kilometers. Winds are a key factor in this whole process which travels on the sea and the mountains.

Intially, the winds approach the coast of the sea. Then the winds are pushed upwards towards the peak of the mountains. Next, the moist air rises and cools down in the windward side of the mountains. The fourth step is the step where clouds form.

Eventually, rain falls takes place on the peaks of the mountains. Then the dry air formed continues to travel over the Leeward side of the mountains. Lastly, the dry winds reach the inland areas at the bottom of the mountains and form the rain-shadow desert. This whole process takes place between thousands of kilometers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation. However, the description is somewhat mechanical, relying on a step-by-step list rather than a cohesive summary of the process. While the main features are present, the analysis lacks depth; for instance, the relationship between the moisture content and the temperature change could be more clearly explained. The overview is functional but could be more insightful regarding the overall transition from moist coastal air to arid inland conditions. The response meets the requirements of the task but remains at a descriptive level rather than an analytical one.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into paragraphs, and the progression of the process is clear. The use of sequencing markers such as 'Initially', 'Then', 'Next', and 'Lastly' helps the reader follow the stages of the diagram. However, the cohesion is somewhat repetitive and mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, though the transition between sentences could be more varied to improve the flow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction from the body of the process, which aids readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using subject-specific terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist air', and 'inland areas'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a tendency to repeat phrases like 'whole process' and 'takes place'. There are also minor awkward phrasings, such as 'rain falls takes place', which is grammatically redundant. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more varied vocabulary to describe the movement of air and the geographical features, moving beyond basic descriptive language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, the opening sentence 'The diagram below illustrates a desert which is one of a kind, called rain-shadow desert, is formed' is syntactically confused. Additionally, 'rain falls takes place' is an error in verb usage. There are also issues with article usage, such as 'travels on the sea'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score.

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

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