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 process diagram illustrates formation of rain-shadow desert.

The process begins with, winds from sea are approach towards the mountains. Then, winds are pushed to the up side of the mountains. When winds are go upside, moist air rises and cools. Therefore, it is reason to creation of clouds. Rain falls on the mountain when clouds reached on the top of the mountain. Water is fallen from the top of the mountain.

The process continue with, wet air become dry air. After that dry air continue push towards downside. Then dry winds reach to the bottom of the mountain. Winds are touch with the inland areas. Finally, it become rain-shadow desert.

Overall, there are eight stages which are required to form of rain shadow desert such as winds approach, push upward, moist added in air, formation of cloud, rain fall, air become dry, dry winds reach inland areas and build up rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, identifying the movement of air, cloud formation, and the resulting rain-shadow effect. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a cohesive summary of the scientific process. While all key features are mentioned, the explanation of the 'rain-shadow' concept is slightly underdeveloped. The overview provided at the end is a list of steps rather than a synthesis of the main trends or the core mechanism of the process. To improve, focus on describing the relationship between the stages rather than just listing them sequentially.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is repetitive and sometimes unnatural, such as 'The process begins with,' 'The process continue with,' and 'After that.' These phrases are used mechanically. Furthermore, the referencing is occasionally unclear, and the transition between sentences feels disjointed. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the progression of ideas flows more naturally between sentences rather than relying on a rigid, step-by-step structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'winds are pushed to the up side' and 'water is fallen' are awkward and demonstrate a lack of control over collocations. There is an attempt to use technical terms like 'rain-shadow desert' and 'moist air,' but the overall range is narrow. Many word choices are imprecise, such as 'it is reason to creation of clouds' instead of 'this leads to cloud formation.' To improve, focus on learning specific verbs and nouns related to geographical processes and weather patterns.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, particularly with verb tenses and sentence structure. Examples include 'winds from sea are approach,' 'it is reason to creation,' and 'the process continue with.' These errors are persistent and sometimes make the meaning slightly difficult to follow. The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct use of articles, and ensuring that passive and active voice constructions are used accurately.

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

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