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 depicts the formation of a desert called rain shadow desert.

The forming of the rain shadow deserts is carry out with the help of several processes.

First of all, winds which are prevailing at sea level play an important role in the formation of a desert.

The sea winds pushed upwards which are convert into moist and cooler air and later become the source of clouds. Furthermore, these clouds start showering and this whole process takes place on the windward side.

Another side is leeward side which start from the dry air and this dry air continues over the mountains and start to move downward. In addition, these winds reach on inland areas and make a rain shadow desert.

In a nutshell, mountains are prevailing on thousands of kilometers and all these processes take place on the mountains. The process starts from the the winds and reach to inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the sea winds to the formation of the desert on the leeward side. However, the description lacks detail and precision. For instance, the mention of 'mountains are prevailing on thousands of kilometers' is vague and does not accurately reflect the diagram's focus on the mountain barrier's role in blocking moisture. The summary is somewhat superficial, failing to clearly contrast the windward and leeward conditions with sufficient technical clarity. To improve, you should focus on describing the specific changes in air temperature and moisture levels as the air moves across the mountain range, rather than just listing the steps.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into short paragraphs, which helps readability. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. Phrases like 'First of all', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition' are used to link sentences, but the logical flow between these sentences is sometimes strained. For example, the transition between the windward process and the leeward side is abrupt. The final paragraph is redundant, as it repeats information already mentioned without adding a meaningful summary or synthesis of the process. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring each sentence builds logically on the previous one would enhance the cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic verbs like 'pushed', 'convert', and 'make', which do not accurately describe meteorological processes. Phrases such as 'start showering' are informal and imprecise in this context. There is also some awkward phrasing, such as 'winds which are prevailing at sea level'. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more topic-specific terminology, such as 'precipitation', 'moisture-laden', 'orographic lift', or 'arid conditions', to demonstrate a more sophisticated command of the subject matter.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. There are issues with verb forms, such as 'is carry out' (should be 'is carried out') and 'winds pushed' (should be 'winds are pushed'). Subject-verb agreement is also inconsistent, for example, 'leeward side which start' (should be 'starts') and 'winds reach on inland areas' (should be 'reach inland areas'). While there is an attempt to use complex sentence structures, these are often marred by errors. Focusing on basic sentence construction and ensuring correct tense usage would significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.