Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 diagram illustrates the process of a rain-shadow desert is formed. It shows the various stages involved in the process, from how winds approach the sea coast to dry winds reaching inland areas.

Overall, it is clear that the process consists of several stages, beginning with the winds approaching the sea coast and ending with the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Initially, winds approach the sea coast. Following this, winds push the winds approach through mountain upwards. After that, when the winds reach an initial stage, air moisture becomes cool. Once this has been completed, cold and moist air transfers into clouds.

In the next stage, the cloud reaches the mountain crest and begins to rain. Subsequently, apart from coold are the, dry air continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. Finally, the dry air reaches inland areas, resulting in a rain-shadow desert formed on the inland area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the initial wind approach to the final desert formation. However, the description is somewhat superficial. For example, the text mentions 'air moisture becomes cool' and 'transfers into clouds' without clearly linking these to the specific geographical features shown in the diagram, such as the windward side or the cooling effect of rising altitude. While the main features are identified, the explanation lacks the depth and precision required for a higher band. The summary is accurate but could benefit from more specific detail regarding the physical changes occurring at each stage of the mountain crossing.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas follows the sequence of the diagram effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Following this', 'After that', and 'Subsequently' are used to guide the reader through the process. However, the referencing is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions feel repetitive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial stages from the final outcomes. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner, though the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking phrases to connect the stages more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing the writer to describe the process clearly. Words such as 'illustrates', 'approaching', 'moisture', and 'leeward' are used correctly. However, there are some awkward phrasings and minor errors, such as 'winds approach the winds approach' and 'coold are the', which detract from the overall quality. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and relies on basic descriptors. To achieve a higher score, the student should incorporate more precise scientific or technical terminology related to meteorological processes and avoid repetitive phrasing.

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 and awkward constructions, such as 'the process of a rain-shadow desert is formed' (should be 'how a rain-shadow desert is formed') and 'resulting in a rain-shadow desert formed on the inland area'. There are also instances of word repetition and typos, such as 'coold are the'. These errors do not significantly impede communication, but they indicate a lack of control over more complex sentence forms. More attention to subject-verb agreement and sentence structure is needed.

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

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