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 provided diagram illustrates about the formation of rain-shadow desert. From the initial stage wind approaching coast to the end stage dry wind reach inland areas.

Overall, we can see this it is a precipitation reaction where the formation of cloud and raining occurs. This complete reaction is done in seven steps. From the wind approaching coast to the final stage where dry wind reach inland areas.

Firstly, the wind is approaching the coast strongly followed by wind pushing upward and the moist air rises and cools down. However, the formation of clouds occurs. The rain starts falling over the mountain, all these steps take place on the windward side.

Secondly, we see that after the falling of rain on the mountain, dry air started blowing over the mountain followed by dry wind reaching inland areas. All these steps take place on the leeward side. The area between the sea coast and inland is about thousands of kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the windward and leeward sides and the process of moisture loss. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks a clear, analytical overview. The student describes the process as a 'precipitation reaction' and 'seven steps,' which are not explicitly labeled in the diagram, leading to a slightly inaccurate interpretation of the visual data. While the main stages are identified, the explanation of the transition from moist to dry air could be more precise to better meet the requirements of a Band 6 or 7 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, using transition signals like 'Firstly' and 'Secondly' to guide the reader. However, the cohesion is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'this complete reaction,' which does not clearly link back to the process described. The progression of ideas is logical, but the internal structure of the sentences feels a bit disjointed. Improving the variety of cohesive devices would help the flow of the response significantly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected at higher bands. Phrases like 'wind approaching coast' and 'dry wind reach inland' are functional but repetitive. There are some awkward word choices, such as 'precipitation reaction' to describe a meteorological process, which is not the most accurate term. The student relies on basic vocabulary and struggles to incorporate more sophisticated, topic-specific terminology related to geography or meteorology, which limits the score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'illustrates about the formation' (unnecessary preposition), 'wind reach' (subject-verb agreement), and 'after the falling of rain' (awkward phrasing). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are persistent throughout the text. To achieve a higher band, the student needs to focus on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and more natural sentence construction.

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

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