Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-19

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 given picture illustrates the formation of one kind of desert which is called rain-shadow desert.

Overall, in process of formation of desert there are seven steps, its starts from collecting moisture from a sea by wind and finish at inland area where rain-shadow desert formed following with other steps. All these step take place over mountain.

To commence with first step winds at costal areas get moisture because of sea water. Then winds blows to upward direction following with steep mountains windward side after reaching at a specific altitude moist air get cool and take formation of clouds and start rain fall.

On the other hand, at leeward side, when moisture turn into raining clouds and dry air left. That dry air continue to blow to downside of mountain and stops at their final stage where it form rain-shadow desert at the end of the whole rain-shadow des

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which negatively impacts the score. While you have identified the main stages of the process, the description is somewhat superficial. You mention 'seven steps' in the overview, but the body paragraphs do not clearly delineate or explain these steps in detail. The conclusion is incomplete, cutting off mid-sentence, which prevents a full summary of the process. To improve, ensure you provide a more comprehensive description of the transition from the windward to the leeward side, ensuring all parts of the diagram are fully explained and the response reaches the required length.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. However, the progression of ideas is hindered by the incomplete final sentence. Cohesive devices such as 'To commence with' and 'On the other hand' are used, but they are sometimes applied mechanically or with grammatical errors (e.g., 'following with other steps'). The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the lack of a complete ending disrupts the overall flow of the text. Improving the logical connection between sentences and ensuring the essay is finished properly will significantly enhance coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You use basic terms like 'get moisture', 'get cool', and 'take formation of clouds'. These are repetitive and lack academic tone. There are also errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'winds blows to upward direction' instead of 'winds blow upwards' or 'ascend'. To improve, focus on using more precise scientific terminology related to meteorological processes, such as 'evaporation', 'condensation', 'precipitation', and 'arid conditions'. Expanding your range to include more sophisticated collocations will help you achieve a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'in process of formation of desert' (missing articles), 'its starts' (subject-verb agreement), 'winds blows' (subject-verb agreement), and 'start rain fall' (incorrect phrasing). The sentence structures are relatively simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly in the final incomplete sentence. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and incorporating a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as using relative clauses or passive voice to describe the process.

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

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