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 how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is made.
Overall, the formation of rain-shadow deserts consists of seven different stages. The distance from coast to inland areas are in thousands of kilometres. The sea, mountains and inland areas plays a vital role in the process of rain-shadow deserts. The winds from a sea to mountains and the formation of the rain and then dry air move forward to inland areas result in a rain-shadow desert formation.
First, the winds reach to coastal areas and pushed upwards and along with mountains windward side the moist air rises and cools and transformed into clouds form. The top of mountains experienced a rain falls and dry air continues over mountains and move below which is leeward side of mountains.
Afterwards, the dry winds reach the inland areas and consequently changed into a rain-shadow desert. The rain-shadow desert is like a little pieces of sand.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response covers the main stages of the process, but the description lacks precision and detail. While you identify the key elements like the sea, mountains, and inland areas, the explanation of the process is somewhat superficial. For instance, the final sentence, 'The rain-shadow desert is like a little pieces of sand,' is inaccurate and does not reflect the scientific process shown in the diagram. To improve, focus on describing the physical changes (e.g., condensation, precipitation, and the rain-shadow effect) more accurately rather than using vague descriptions. The overview is present but could be more clearly linked to the specific stages of the cycle.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. You use some cohesive devices such as 'First,' 'Afterwards,' and 'consequently' to link ideas. However, the flow within sentences is sometimes hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'winds from a sea to mountains and the formation of the rain and then dry air move forward.' Referencing is occasionally unclear, and the transition between the mountain stage and the inland stage could be smoother. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring each sentence flows logically from the previous one would enhance the overall coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You use basic terms like 'made,' 'little pieces,' and 'pushed upwards.' There are also some issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'transformed into clouds form' and 'the top of mountains experienced a rain falls.' To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more subject-specific terminology related to geography and meteorology, such as 'moisture-laden winds,' 'orographic lift,' 'precipitation,' and 'arid conditions.' Expanding your range of vocabulary will help you describe the process with greater accuracy and sophistication.
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 clarity. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('The distance... are,' 'inland areas plays'), incorrect preposition usage ('reach to coastal areas'), and awkward sentence construction ('winds... pushed upwards and along with mountains windward side'). While the meaning is generally understandable, these recurring errors in basic grammar and sentence structure limit the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and refining your use of prepositions will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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