Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-02

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 depicts the information or process that how the rain shadow desert are formed.

Overall, the process starts with by winds approach coast and followed by a plethora of stages and ending with dry wind reach inland areas.

It can be vividly seen that the formation of rain shadow desert begins from wind approach coast from the sea. Further, the airflow pushed upwards. Then, the moist air rises and it cool down towards the windward side. however, after the cool down, the clouds are form when the moisture show incline rapidly in the air.

Moving towards the rest of the information, as the clouds are form then, the rain started falling on the mountains. additionally, the dry air continues over the hill in the leeward side that is downward side of the mountains. moreover, dry winds reached at the inland area. finally the rain shadow desert are formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the initial wind approach to the formation of the desert. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the key features are identified, the explanation of the process is slightly underdeveloped in terms of the causal links between the stages. The summary is functional, but it would benefit from a more sophisticated synthesis of the information provided in the diagram to reach a higher band. The response meets the minimum word count requirement, ensuring all parts of the task are addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and occasionally mechanical, such as the frequent use of 'then', 'further', and 'moving towards'. The referencing is sometimes unclear, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. While the overall arrangement is coherent, the lack of varied linking words and the somewhat disjointed sentence structure limit the effectiveness of the cohesion. Improved use of transition signals would enhance the logical flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. There is a reliance on simple terms like 'cool down' and 'rain started falling', which lack the precision required for a scientific process description. Some phrasing is awkward, such as 'moisture show incline rapidly'. To improve, the student should incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to meteorology and geography. While the meaning is generally clear, the range of vocabulary is limited, and there are some errors in word choice and collocation that prevent a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Examples include 'how the rain shadow desert are formed' (subject-verb agreement), 'winds approach coast' (missing articles), and 'clouds are form' (incorrect passive voice). These errors are noticeable and occasionally distract the reader, although they do not completely impede communication. To achieve a higher band, the student needs to focus on consistent subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and more accurate control over passive voice constructions, which are essential for describing processes.

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.