Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03

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 figure illustrates the formation of rain-shadow deserts step by step.

Overall, formation of rain-shadow deserts consist of various steps. It begins from sea and reached at the top of the mountain than goes down to the other side of mountain.

However, formation of rain-shadow deserts depend on various steps. Wind approach coast from the sea. Winds pushed upwards to the mountain than moist air rises and cools. At the windward side of mountains clouds are formed. And at the top of mountains rain starts falling. Dry air continues over mountain to the leeward side of mountains. At the end dry winds reach to the inland areas. And this is how rain-shadow deserts are formed.

Moreover, from sea to the inland area thousands of kilometers area have been covered by mountains. Formation of rain-shadow deserts is a time taking process. As it goes from sea to the top of mountain and then goes down towards the inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation, from the wind approaching the coast to the dry air reaching inland. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, analytical overview. While the process is outlined, the connection between the moisture loss and the resulting desert environment could be more explicitly linked to the diagram's features. The summary is functional but lacks the precision required for higher bands, as some explanations, such as the mention of 'thousands of kilometers', are not clearly supported by the provided visual information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organized into paragraphs, but the logical flow is hindered by repetitive sentence structures and basic transitions. The use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical, with frequent use of 'And' and 'Moreover' to start sentences. Referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'this is how rain-shadow deserts are formed', which lacks a strong link to the preceding sequence. To improve, you should vary your linking words and ensure that each sentence builds logically upon the previous one rather than simply listing steps.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic. You rely on simple terms like 'steps', 'goes', and 'pushed'. There is an attempt to use subject-specific terminology such as 'windward' and 'leeward', which is positive. However, the range is limited, and there are minor errors in word choice, such as 'time taking process' instead of 'time-consuming process'. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to meteorological processes and geographical features.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'formation... consist of') and article usage (e.g., 'begins from sea'). Some sentences are fragmented or awkwardly phrased, such as 'Wind approach coast from the sea'. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher band score. Focusing on consistent verb tenses and correct preposition usage will significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

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

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