Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-08

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, the process begins with winds approaching the coast, and rising over a mountain, resulting in rainfall on the windward side. The air becomes dry as it crosses the mountains, eventually leading to the formation of a rain-shadow desert on the leeward side.

Initially, winds from sea approach the coast, where mountain pushes them upwards. As the moist air rises, it cools and clouds form. Consequently, the rain falls on the windward side.

After crossing the mountain, the air becomes dry and continues towards the leeward side. Dry winds then move towards the inland areas where a rain-shadow desert forms.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While the report covers the main stages of the process—the moist air rising, cooling, and the subsequent rain-shadow effect—the description is quite brief and lacks the necessary detail to fully develop the explanation. To achieve a higher band, you must expand on the information provided in the diagram, perhaps by describing the temperature changes or the specific characteristics of the air masses more thoroughly. Because the response is 41 words under the limit, it is considered under-developed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a body paragraph for the windward side, and a concluding paragraph for the leeward side. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive. While you use transition words like 'Initially', 'Consequently', and 'After', the overall flow feels a bit mechanical. To improve, try to integrate your sentences more fluidly using a wider variety of linking phrases to connect the stages of the process more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with terms like 'windward', 'leeward', and 'moist air' being appropriate for describing a geographical process. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a lack of more sophisticated or precise terminology that would demonstrate a higher level of lexical control. For instance, instead of 'winds from sea', 'maritime air masses' would be more precise. The vocabulary is functional but lacks the flexibility and variety required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The grammar is generally accurate, and the sentences are clear. You use a mix of simple and complex structures, such as 'As the moist air rises, it cools and clouds form.' There are very few grammatical errors, which is a strength. However, the range of structures is somewhat restricted. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate a greater variety of complex sentence forms, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the air is forced upwards') or more advanced relative clauses, to demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility.

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

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