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 process diagram illustrates how a type of desert commonly called as rain shadow desert is formed.

Overall, there are seven major steps involved in the formation of rain shadow desert. The process starts with the wind approaching the coast and ends with dry wind reaching inland areas. The mountain located in the middle of sea and inland area windward side that gets rainfall while the leeward side gets dry air causing a desert to form eventually.

When the wind reaches the coast from the sea, it is pushed upwards by the mountain. After which the moist air rises and cools forming clouds on the windward side of the mountain. The water stored in the cloud gradually falls on top of the mountain on the windward side.

After the rainfall stops, dry air continues down the mountain on the leeward side. Which in turn causes winds to reach inland areas forming rain shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have provided a clear overview and described the sequence of events from the wind approaching the coast to the formation of the desert inland. However, the description of the mountain's role is slightly underdeveloped; you mention it is located 'in the middle of sea and inland area' but could have more precisely described the elevation change and the specific impact on air temperature and moisture levels. The summary is accurate, but adding more detail regarding the contrast between the windward and leeward sides would have strengthened the response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. You use some cohesive devices such as 'After which', 'When', and 'In turn' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are instances of sentence fragments, such as 'Which in turn causes winds to reach inland areas', which disrupt the flow. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that sentences are complete would help the text achieve a more professional and cohesive tone.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist air', and 'inland areas' correctly. There are some minor issues with word choice and phrasing, such as 'commonly called as' (should be 'commonly called' or 'known as') and 'middle of sea and inland area' (which is slightly imprecise). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band score. Incorporating more precise scientific or descriptive terminology would enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For instance, 'mountain located in the middle of sea and inland area windward side' is a run-on phrase that lacks necessary prepositions and punctuation. Additionally, there are issues with sentence fragments, such as starting a sentence with 'Which in turn...'. These errors occur frequently enough to occasionally impede the reader's flow. To improve, focus on ensuring every sentence has a clear subject and verb and avoid fragmenting complex ideas into separate, incomplete sentences.

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

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