Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-27

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 diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the process comprises of seven distinct stages, beginning with winds approach coast and culminating in dry winds reach inlands area and forming rain-shadow desert.

Initially, winds approach coast and push in upward direction of mountains. After that, level of moisture in air rises, resulting in cooling air. Following this, it travels towards windward side of mountains, where the clouds formed. Subsequently, the rain falls, which helps dry air to continue flowing over the mountains.

Towards leeward side of mountains, dry winds reach the inland areas, which are thousands of kilometres away from the sea. Finally, at inland areas, the rain-shadow desert formed.

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 score. While the report covers the main stages of the process, the brevity prevents a fully developed summary. The overview is present but lacks detail, and the description of the stages is somewhat superficial. To improve, you must expand on the descriptions of each stage, perhaps by adding more detail about the physical changes occurring (e.g., the specific nature of the moisture loss or the temperature changes). Because the response is 35 words under the limit, it cannot be awarded a score higher than 5.0 for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', 'Following this', and 'Subsequently' helps to guide the reader through the process. However, the paragraphing is slightly unbalanced, and the flow is somewhat mechanical. The referencing is generally clear, but the lack of depth in the content makes the progression feel a bit abrupt. To reach a higher band, ensure that your sentences are linked more fluidly and that you provide enough information to justify the logical steps you are describing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'winds approach coast' and 'rain-shadow desert formed' are functional but lack the precision and variety expected at higher levels. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'push in upward direction' and 'reach inlands area'. To improve, you should incorporate more specific scientific or descriptive terminology related to weather patterns and geography, such as 'prevailing winds', 'orographic lift', or 'arid conditions'. Expanding your range of vocabulary will help you describe the process with greater accuracy and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with articles (e.g., 'winds approach coast' instead of 'the winds approach the coast') and verb forms (e.g., 'rain-shadow desert formed' instead of 'is formed'). The sentence 'resulting in cooling air' is a good attempt at a participle phrase, but overall, the control of grammar is inconsistent. To improve, focus on article usage, subject-verb agreement, and ensuring that your verb tenses are consistent throughout the description of a process.

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

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