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 provided diagram illustrates the linear process of formation of a type of the desert known as the rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process comprises of seven distinct stages beginning with winds reaching the sea coast and ending with the dry winds passing over the mountains and finally reaching the inland areas.

The process commences with winds arriving at the coast which start pushing upward towards the top of the mountain. As the winds go upward, the wet and cool air rises as well. This cool air then produces clouds in the sky while the dry winds keep climbing alongside with the windward slide.

The previously formed clouds start pouring rain from the peak of the mountain. While the dry air continues moving and descends from the top of the mountain while passing though the leeward side and finally reach the inland areas. In the inland areas, these winds help 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 arrival to the formation of the desert. However, the description is somewhat superficial. While you identify the key stages, the explanation of the meteorological process is slightly inaccurate; for instance, you mention 'wet and cool air rises' and 'dry winds keep climbing' simultaneously, which is confusing. To reach a higher band, you should focus on clearly distinguishing between the windward and leeward sides and explicitly linking the moisture loss to the precipitation on the mountain peak. The summary of the process is clear, but it lacks the technical precision required for a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is generally clear, following the chronological order of the diagram. You use some cohesive devices such as 'The process commences with', 'As the winds go upward', and 'While the dry air continues'. However, some transitions are a bit mechanical, and the connection between the sentences in the final paragraph is slightly disjointed. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the stages of the process, which helps the reader follow the narrative flow effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'linear process', 'commences', 'precipitate', and 'leeward side'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For example, 'comprises of' is grammatically incorrect (it should be 'comprises' or 'is composed of'). Additionally, 'windward slide' is likely a misinterpretation of 'windward side'. While the range is sufficient to convey the main points, it lacks the sophistication and precision in technical terminology that would elevate the response to a higher band level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'The process comprises of' and 'passing though the leeward side and finally reach', where the verb tense consistency is lost. The phrase 'alongside with' is also non-standard. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. The use of complex sentences is present, but they are not always error-free. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage would significantly improve the grammatical accuracy of your writing.

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

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