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.

Overall, there are different 7 steps to complete the cycle of desert formation, and this process covered thousands of kilometres land.

It is clearly seen from the picture that the first step is the winds approach the coast from sea level, then the winds pushed upwards. The third stage is that moist air rises and cools on the windward side before being converted into clouds.

Moving further, at the top of the mountain, rain falls from the clouds, and in the sixth step, the dry air continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. At the end, dry winds reach inland areas. The whole process took place at a large mountain from the sea, coast, and inland area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the description of the process. While you have identified the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation, the explanation is somewhat superficial. You have listed steps rather than providing a cohesive summary of the meteorological process. To improve, you should focus on describing the causal relationships between the moist air, cooling, precipitation, and the resulting dry conditions on the leeward side. Because the response is under-length, it cannot be awarded a higher band for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into short paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. You use some basic cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Moving further', and 'At the end' to signal progression. However, the flow between sentences is somewhat mechanical. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'the whole process took place at a large mountain', which feels disconnected from the preceding description. To reach a higher band, try to use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus that builds logically toward the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the basic elements of the diagram (e.g., 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side'). However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'the first step is' and 'the third stage is' are functional but lack sophistication. There are also minor issues with word choice, such as 'thousands of kilometres land' which is grammatically awkward. To improve, incorporate more precise terminology related to geography and climate, and aim for a more varied range of verbs to describe the movement of air and water.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that detract from the quality of the writing. For example, 'the process of a rain-shadow desert is formed' should be 'the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed'. Additionally, 'the winds pushed upwards' should be 'the winds are pushed upwards' (passive voice). There are also issues with tense consistency and article usage. Increasing the frequency of error-free complex sentences will help you achieve a higher score in this criterion.

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.