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 given diagram illustrates special type of desert which is known as rain-shadow desert and how is formed.

Overall, the formation of rain-shadow based on mainly seven sequencial steps but other factors are also invloved such as mountains, under-earth condition.

Initially, winds approach coast above the sea,toward the mountains and these large mountains have a coast with depth of thousands of kilometres. Near to mountains, winds pushed upwards due to vertical shape of a mountain; where moist air rises and cools when it becomes close to clouds formation and converted into clouds. Clouds exist almost at the edge of the mountains where rain falls at the windward side.

However, the dry air continues over mountains toward the leeward side and reach the inland areas, the Inland consists on a large number of particles under the earth where the formation of rain-shadow completes from sea to inland and the whole process pass through mountains.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response provides a general overview of the process, but it lacks the precision required for a high band score. While it identifies the main stages—moist air rising, cooling, cloud formation, and the rain-shadow effect—it fails to clearly describe the transition from the windward to the leeward side with sufficient technical accuracy. The description of the 'inland' area is vague and does not accurately reflect the typical features of a rain-shadow desert as shown in such diagrams. To improve, ensure you clearly distinguish between the windward and leeward sides and describe the physical state of the air (e.g., moisture content) at each stage more explicitly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as 'the Inland consists on a large number of particles'. The transition between the windward side and the leeward side is abrupt, and the logical flow is hindered by imprecise phrasing. While the overall structure is coherent, the lack of sophisticated linking words makes the progression feel disjointed at times. Improving the variety of transition signals and ensuring that each sentence logically follows the previous one would enhance the clarity of the explanation.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range expected at higher levels. There are several instances of awkward word choices and non-standard collocations, such as 'under-earth condition' and 'consists on'. The phrase 'special type of desert' is quite basic. To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more precise terminology related to geography and meteorology, such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', 'arid', or 'topography'. Expanding your range of academic vocabulary and ensuring correct collocations will significantly improve your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. For example, 'how is formed' is missing a subject, and 'winds pushed upwards' should be passive ('are pushed'). There are also issues with articles ('the formation of rain-shadow') and prepositions ('consists on'). While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from being considered highly accurate. Focusing on subject-verb agreement, correct article usage, and consistent tense control will help you move up to a higher band.

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

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