Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-30

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 natural linear process of how a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, the process consists of 7 step process, starting from winds approach coast to forming clouds then converts into rain falls and finally dry winds reach inland areas.

Firstly, winds approach coast from sea following winds pushed upwards and moist air further rises and become cools afterwards it formed into clouds at windward side. Next on the top of the mountain rain falls.

Subsequently, Dry air continues over mountain at leeward side moving toward inland where it futher proceed in dry winds reach inland areas and create rain-shadow desert. Sea and Rain-shadow has

thousands of killometres distance from each other.

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 ability to fully develop the description of the process. While you identify the main stages of the rain-shadow effect, the explanation is underdeveloped. You mention the '7 step process' but do not clearly detail each stage, leading to a summary that feels rushed and incomplete. To improve, you must expand on the mechanics of the process—such as the cooling of air as it rises and the specific conditions on the leeward side—to ensure all parts of the task are addressed thoroughly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into short paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Firstly', 'Next', 'Subsequently'). The transition between sentences is occasionally abrupt, and the final sentence regarding the distance between the sea and the desert is disconnected from the main process description. Improving the flow between sentences by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus would enhance the overall coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. You rely on basic descriptors like 'natural linear process' and 'dry winds'. There are also some awkward collocations and word choices, such as 'become cools' and 'further proceed in dry winds'. Additionally, there is a spelling error ('killometres'). To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise scientific terminology related to geography and meteorology, such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', 'orographic lift', and 'arid conditions'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains several grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of information. For example, 'winds approach coast' lacks an article, and 'become cools' is grammatically incorrect. There are also issues with sentence structure, such as the comma splice in the first sentence ('...desert, is formed') and the run-on structure in the second paragraph. While you attempt some complex sentences, they are often faulty. Focusing on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and ensuring that complex sentences are punctuated correctly will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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