Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-18

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 that how one type of desert, also known as rain-shadow desert is created.

The forming of rain-shadow takes several steps and it take space of thousands of kilometers. This is formed near the sea and it takes several climates changes.

Firstly, the winds approach to the coast side from the sea, with the help of wind the sand pushes in upward direction. This moist air rises up the windward side and when it cools down it form the clouds. This cloud formation create the water inside it. Then after over-consumption of water in cloud, it starts falling the rain. The dry air continues generating over the mountain and this side is know as leeward side. Lastly, the dry winds reaches on the bottom of the inland areas and this become in formation of rain-shadow desert. This desert take so much space such as in thousands of kilometers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, from the initial moist air movement to the creation of the leeward desert. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks precision in reporting the key features. For instance, the explanation of cloud formation and precipitation is quite vague ('create the water inside it'). While the main features are identified, the response lacks a clear overview or summary of the process, which is essential for a high band score in Task 1. The information is presented in a linear fashion, but it lacks the analytical depth required to fully explain the mechanism shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'Firstly', 'Then', and 'Lastly' are used to sequence the steps, but the transitions between sentences are often abrupt. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the sentence 'This is formed near the sea', where the antecedent for 'This' is ambiguous. While the overall arrangement is coherent, the lack of sophisticated linking words and the occasional awkward phrasing limit the flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected for higher bands. There is a reliance on basic terminology, such as 'takes several steps', 'pushes in upward direction', and 'take so much space'. Some word choices are inaccurate or unnatural, such as 'over-consumption of water in cloud' and 'this become in formation of'. There is little attempt to use topic-specific vocabulary related to meteorology or geography, which would have enhanced the quality of the report. The range is sufficient to communicate the main points, but it is not flexible or sophisticated.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('it take space', 'winds reaches'), incorrect preposition usage ('approaches to the coast side'), and awkward phrasing ('this side is know as leeward side'). While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevents the text from reaching a higher band. The control over punctuation and sentence structure is inconsistent throughout the response.

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

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