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)

Task 1;

This is a linear graph represent process of rain occur in hilly area.

Overall, it is clear that process starts from sea cost and further ends at dry condition.

This process contain seven stages and it is a linear process. In first stage, winds approaches to cost from sea level and in second stage pushed upward when they come in contact of mountain, furthermore winds containing moisture into them start freeze and in third stage they form cloud and in forth stage its starts raining.

In addition, rainfall is only take place in front side of mountain and this leads to good rainfall in front side. In sixth stage dry air continue flow over mountain they contain no moisture with them and in seventh stage dry air reaches to inland and no rainfall will be there. Due to high hills wind contain moisture become empty after strike, this leads to draught in next side of hills.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. However, the description is somewhat superficial and lacks precision in reporting the scientific mechanism. For instance, the explanation of moisture loss is simplified, and the terminology used (e.g., 'winds containing moisture into them start freeze') is inaccurate regarding the actual meteorological process. While the main features are identified, the summary lacks the analytical depth required for a higher band. The overview is present but could be more clearly integrated to highlight the contrast between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain more effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'in first stage', 'in second stage', 'in third stage'). The transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt, and the logical flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing. While there is an attempt to use linking words like 'furthermore' and 'in addition', the overall structure lacks the sophisticated control needed for a higher score. Paragraphing is present but the internal cohesion within the paragraphs remains basic.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is limited and often imprecise. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'sea cost' (coast), 'winds containing moisture into them start freeze', and 'wind contain moisture become empty'. These errors occasionally impede the clarity of the explanation. The range of vocabulary is restricted to basic terms, and there is a lack of technical or descriptive language appropriate for a process description. To improve, you should focus on learning specific collocations related to geography and weather processes, such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', and 'leeward side'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that affect readability. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('rainfall is only take place'), article usage ('in front side of mountain'), and sentence structure. Many sentences are simple or contain errors in complex construction, such as 'Due to high hills wind contain moisture become empty after strike'. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the response from reaching a higher band. A greater focus on sentence construction and proofreading for basic errors is necessary.

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