Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-31

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)

In the given picture, the formation of a rain-shadow desert is illustrated.

Overall, in this diagram the process of forming of rain-shadow desert is depicted, from wind approaching coast of the sea to the formation of clouds and the making of rain-shadow desert by the reaching of dry air to the inland area.

In the given image, a mount of thousands of kilometer of length is present. There is an ocean on one side from where wind approaches to the coast and get pushes upward the hight of the mountain. Moist air rises towards the top of the mountain and cools down then it reaches to the windward side and form clouds. After the formation of clouds rain falls on the one side of the alp.

Rain keep falling on side of the summit while dry air keep flowing towards the leeward side of the mountain. Dry air then reach to the inland area and form the rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the initial wind movement to the formation of the desert. However, the description is somewhat simplistic and lacks a clear, analytical overview of the key features. While the sequence is logical, the explanation of the 'rain-shadow' effect could be more precise, particularly regarding the distinction between the windward and leeward sides. The response identifies the main components, but the lack of sophisticated synthesis of the information limits the score. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the contrast between the two sides of the mountain more effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into three short paragraphs, which provides a basic structure. There is a logical progression from the sea to the inland area. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'In the given image', 'After the formation of clouds'). The transition between sentences could be smoother to improve the flow of information. Paragraphing is present, but the paragraphs are quite brief, and the overall cohesion would benefit from a wider variety of linking words and better referencing to connect the stages of the process more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. There is some repetition of terms like 'mountain', 'clouds', and 'dry air'. While the student attempts to use subject-specific terminology such as 'windward' and 'leeward', other phrasing is imprecise, such as 'a mount of thousands of kilometer of length' and 'get pushes upward'. To achieve a higher band, the student should aim for more precise scientific vocabulary and avoid repetitive sentence structures. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, such as 'process of forming of rain-shadow desert', 'get pushes upward the hight', and 'Rain keep falling'. These errors, while not impeding communication, are noticeable and occur throughout the text. The control over articles and verb tenses is inconsistent. To improve, the student should focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions and articles. A greater variety of error-free complex sentences would also help to demonstrate better grammatical control.

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

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