Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-29

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 shows that how one type of rain-shadow desert, is formed with the help of rain and other multpule processes. This process began from sea and then it formed to rain and then it moves from various other stages and lastely formed a rain-shadow desert and this process contain thousands of kilometres to form Rain-shadow desert.

It is clearly seen that at the begining of this process sea is a primary source of water, when winds arrive at the cost it faced mountains, which pushe the winds to upwards, on the way that moist air rises and become cools, and the next stage it convert into the clouds. This process happen in windward side, and finally on the top of mountains clouds move to the rain fall.

Then the process moved to the leeward side, the rain drops mixed with dry air and this continues over mountain, these heavy winds with force towards the inland areas. Then in finally reached the inland and Rain-shadow desert formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, such as the sea as a water source, the windward side, and the leeward side. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks the precision required for a high-band response. For instance, the explanation of the process is slightly inaccurate in places, such as stating that clouds 'move to the rain fall' rather than describing the precipitation process. While the main features are identified, the summary could be more analytical by focusing on the contrast between the windward and leeward sides more effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into three paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Then the process moved', 'Then in finally reached'). There are also issues with referencing; for example, 'this process' is used frequently without clear antecedents. The logical flow is generally present, but the transitions between sentences feel a bit disjointed, which prevents the response from achieving a higher band in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. There are several spelling errors, such as 'multpule', 'lastely', 'begining', and 'cost' (instead of 'coast'). The range of vocabulary is limited, relying on simple verbs like 'formed', 'moves', and 'pushed'. To improve, the student should incorporate more precise terminology related to geographical processes, such as 'evaporation', 'condensation', 'precipitation', and 'arid'. The current lexical range is sufficient to convey the basic meaning but lacks the flexibility and precision expected at higher levels.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'shows that how one type... is formed', 'when winds arrive at the cost it faced mountains', and 'this process contain thousands of kilometres'. Subject-verb agreement and tense consistency are problematic throughout the text. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and punctuation prevents the response from reaching a higher band.

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.