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 illustrates how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Firstly, winds approach the coast and then move towards the mountain. The winds are pushed upwards when they reach the mountain. After this, the moist air rises and cools, and clouds begin to form. When the clouds form, rain falls on the windward side of the mountain. After that, dry air continues over the mountain and reaches the inland areas.

Overall, the process starts when winds approach the coast and move upwards over the mountain. The air becomes cooler and clouds form, which causes rain on the windward side. After the rain, the air becomes dry and moves to the other side of the mountain. Finally, the dry winds reach the inland areas, where a rain-shadow desert is formed. my report are finish but i saw the word problem which are one thirty four but our target is one fifty.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly described the movement of air, the cooling process, the precipitation on the windward side, and the resulting dry conditions on the leeward side. However, the response is somewhat repetitive, as the second paragraph largely restates the information provided in the first. To achieve a higher band, ensure that the overview highlights the key stages without simply repeating the details already mentioned in the body. The inclusion of the meta-commentary at the end regarding word count is inappropriate for an academic task and should be avoided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into two paragraphs, which is a logical approach. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'After this', 'After that', and 'Finally' to sequence the stages of the process. While the progression is clear, the cohesion is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. The transition between the first and second paragraph is weak because the second paragraph essentially summarizes the same information as the first rather than extending or synthesizing it. Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring each paragraph serves a distinct purpose would enhance the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the process accurately. You correctly use terms like 'moist air', 'windward side', and 'inland areas'. However, the range is somewhat limited and relies on simple, repetitive phrasing. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to meteorological processes, such as 'condensation', 'precipitation', or 'arid conditions'. There are no significant spelling errors, but the overall lexical range remains at a functional, rather than sophisticated, level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and the meaning is clear throughout. There are some minor issues with sentence variety, as many sentences follow a similar 'subject-verb' pattern. While there are no major errors that impede communication, the range of grammatical structures is limited. To improve, try to incorporate more complex structures, such as passive voice (e.g., 'moisture is extracted from the air') or relative clauses, to better describe the scientific process.

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

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