Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06

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 a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, what stands out from the image is that the process involves seven main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas and creating a rain-shadow desert.

Looking at the details, beginning with, winds approach the coast from the sea and are pushed upwards by the mountains. Moreover, as the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools and clouds form. Subsequently, rain falls on this side of the mountain.

Delving deeper into the details, after losing much of its moisture, the dry air continues over the mountain and descends on the leeward side. Finally, the dry winds travel further inland, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main stages of the process, but it is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement. Because the response is only 126 words, it fails to fully develop the description of the process, resulting in a lack of detail that prevents a higher score. While the overview is clear and the main features are identified, the brevity means the information is not sufficiently extended or supported. To improve, you must expand on the descriptions of each stage, perhaps by adding more detail about the atmospheric conditions or the specific characteristics of the windward versus leeward sides of the mountain.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'beginning with', 'moreover', 'subsequently', and 'finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. However, the paragraphing is somewhat fragmented due to the short length of the text. The progression of ideas is clear, but the overall structure feels underdeveloped because of the limited word count. To reach a higher band, ensure that your paragraphs are more balanced and that you use a wider variety of linking phrases to connect the stages more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is accurate and appropriate for the task, including terms like 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moist air', and 'inland areas'. The range is adequate for the task, but it lacks the sophistication and variety required for higher bands. There is some repetition of basic verbs and structures. To improve, try to incorporate more precise scientific or descriptive vocabulary related to meteorological processes, such as 'precipitation', 'condensation', or 'arid conditions', to demonstrate a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar with few errors. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'as the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools and clouds form'. Punctuation is generally correct, and the sentences are easy to follow. While the grammar is accurate, the range of structures is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher band, aim to incorporate more complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the air is forced upwards') or more varied subordinate clauses to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

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

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