Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-20

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 illustration explains the type of desert, which is commonly called rain shadow desert and the process of its formation.

There are 7 various complex processes in the making of rain shadow desert, which begins from sea by winds and ends on the inland areas. The fascinating thing is that winds travel thousands of miles and also pass the mountains to reach at desert.

Firstly, winds start its travel from sea towards coast area, and there winds push in the direction of upwards. Moist air climb and become cool. The formation of clouds start at windward side. Later rain falls to continue.

Furthermore, dry air constantly flow over the mountains and go in the direction of leeward side which is declining side of the mountains. After go in the side of leeward, dry winds reach in the regions of inland. And there dry winds become the source in the making of rain shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the key stages of the rain-shadow effect: moisture from the sea, orographic lift, cloud formation, precipitation, and the resulting dry conditions on the leeward side. However, the description is somewhat simplistic. The student mentions '7 various complex processes' which is not supported by the visual data provided, suggesting a slight misinterpretation of the diagram's complexity. While the main features are reported, the analysis lacks the precision and comparative depth required for a higher band. The overview is functional but could be more integrated to highlight the causal relationship between the mountain barrier and the desert formation more effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, each focusing on a specific stage of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Furthermore', and 'Later' are used to guide the reader through the sequence. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly unnatural, such as 'After go in the side of leeward'. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear, and the flow between sentences is somewhat choppy. While the overall progression is logical and easy to follow, the lack of sophisticated linking and occasional awkward phrasing limits the score to a 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected at higher levels. The student uses basic terms like 'making of', 'travel', and 'go in the direction of', which are repetitive and lack academic tone. There are some attempts at topic-specific vocabulary such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'moist air', which are used correctly. However, the overall lexical range is limited, and there is a reliance on simple, functional language. To improve, the student should incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to meteorological processes.

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 the flow. Examples include 'winds start its travel' (subject-verb agreement), 'moist air climb' (should be 'climbs'), and 'dry air constantly flow' (should be 'flows'). The phrasing 'After go in the side of leeward' is grammatically incorrect and awkward. While the meaning remains clear, the frequency of these errors in basic subject-verb agreement and prepositional usage prevents the response from reaching a higher band. A greater focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy is needed.

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

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