Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05
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 diagram illustrates the the various natural process and mechanism that leads to the formation of rain-shadow deserts. Overall, the process is comprised of seven consecutive steps, starting with the winds approaching coast and ending with the dry winds reaching the inland area. .
The process initiates with the winds from sea approaches the coast, where they are then pushed upwards on mountain's slope. As this moist air ascends to higher altitudes, it cools down, leading to the formation of clouds specifically on the windward slide of mountain.
The remaining stages after the formed cloud gives rainfall at the mountain peak, then the dry air continues to descend along with the leeward slide leading to dry winds reaching the inland area for the formation of rain-shadow desert spanning the distance of thousands of kilometres.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response provides a clear overview of the process, identifying the main stages from the moist air approaching the coast to the formation of the rain-shadow desert. However, the response is under the 150-word minimum requirement, which significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the description of the process. While the key features are mentioned, the lack of sufficient length means the explanation of the mechanism remains somewhat superficial. To improve, you should expand on the physical changes occurring at each stage, such as the specific temperature changes or the contrast between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain, to ensure a more comprehensive summary.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is logically organized into an introduction and two body paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'The process initiates with', and 'The remaining stages'. However, the flow between sentences is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'The remaining stages after the formed cloud gives rainfall'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence connects smoothly to the next will enhance the overall coherence. The paragraphing is appropriate for a short report, but the internal cohesion needs more refinement to achieve a higher band.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'moist air', 'altitudes', 'windward', and 'leeward'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'the various natural process and mechanism' (should be plural) and 'approaching coast' (missing article). There is also a repetitive use of basic verbs. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to geography and meteorology, and pay closer attention to article usage and pluralization to ensure your writing sounds more natural and professional.
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 detract from the quality of the writing. Examples include 'the various natural process' (should be 'processes'), 'mountain's slope' (missing article), and 'along with the leeward slide' (should be 'side'). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and article errors throughout the text. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve your grammatical accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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