Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-25

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)

Given diagram displays how a type of desert known as leeward (downwind) desert an area that stays dry forms up on the side of mountains.

Overall there are total 7 steps displaying the formation of rain-shadow desert, Initially from one side winds start approaching the coast above the sea level near the mountains and move upwards and moists the air for condensation and then these clouds pour rain on mountain top but this happens on the windward side where as dry air continues moving over the mountains crossing thousands of kilometers distance reaching toward the leeward where it moves downward to reach the inland area where it finally forms up rain-shadow desert.

In conclusion the result of rain-shadow desert comes up following a series of steps taken by the air moving from one direction to other but forming clouds and falling rain which doesn't reach the other side whereas the dry air does which ends up in the formation of orographic desert on the inland area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response provides a basic overview of the process, but it lacks the necessary detail and precision required for an Academic Task 1. While the main stages are identified, the description is somewhat superficial. The student mentions '7 steps' but does not clearly delineate them, leading to a narrative that feels rushed. To improve, the response should focus on clearly describing the transition of air from the windward side to the leeward side, specifically highlighting the change in moisture levels and temperature. The summary is functional but lacks the analytical depth expected at higher bands.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which is a logical structure. However, the flow within the paragraphs is somewhat mechanical. The use of cohesive devices is limited, relying heavily on simple conjunctions like 'and' or 'then'. The transition between the description of the windward side and the leeward side could be smoother. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the progression of the air mass across the mountain range. More varied linking words would improve the overall cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, but it is somewhat repetitive and lacks precision. Phrases like 'forms up' and 'moves downward' are functional but basic. There are some inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'moists the air' (which should be 'moistens') and 'orographic desert' (which is technically correct but used without sufficient context). To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise scientific terminology related to meteorology and geography, such as 'precipitation', 'saturated', 'descending', and 'arid'.

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 'Given diagram displays' (missing an article), 'moists the air' (incorrect verb form), and 'from one direction to other' (missing an article). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some very long, run-on sentences that lack necessary commas to separate clauses. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of control over basic grammatical rules prevents a higher score.

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

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