Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 demonstrates the formation of rain-shadow desert on one side of the mountain. This formation process involves seven stages.

To begin with, the wind approaches from the sea coast and moves upward. When the moist air rises and cools, it leads to the formation of clouds on the windward side of the mountain. Furthermore, when the clouds get heavy, it starts raining near the peak of the mountain.

Thereafter, the process on the other side of the mountain begins. The dry air continues over the leeward side of the mountain. Soon, the dry winds reach inland areas leading to the formation of a dry desert called the Rain-Shadow desert.

To conclude, the formation involves the wind travelling thousands of kilometers from the sea coast to to the inland side of the mountain. Overall, both the windward side and the leeward side are responsible for the composition of the Rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the key stages of the rain-shadow effect. However, the description is somewhat superficial. While the windward and leeward sides are mentioned, the response lacks a clear, analytical overview that synthesises the process effectively. The mention of 'seven stages' is not clearly reflected in the body paragraphs, which makes the structure feel slightly disconnected from the visual data. To improve, ensure that the relationship between moisture, altitude, and temperature is explicitly linked to the resulting desert formation, rather than just listing the sequence of events.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, moving from the windward side to the leeward side. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'Thereafter' are used to guide the reader. However, the progression is somewhat mechanical. The final paragraph is a bit repetitive and does not add significant value to the summary. The use of referencing is generally clear, but the flow between sentences could be improved by using more sophisticated linking phrases that show cause and effect more naturally rather than relying on simple sequencing words.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist air', and 'inland areas'. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'formation of' are used multiple times, which reduces the sophistication of the writing. To reach a higher band, you should incorporate more precise scientific or descriptive vocabulary related to meteorological processes, such as 'precipitation', 'condensation', 'arid', or 'prevailing winds', to demonstrate a more flexible and academic command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some minor errors, such as 'to to' (repetition) and 'rain-shadow desert' (inconsistent capitalization). While the meaning is always clear, the range of structures is somewhat basic. To improve, try to integrate more complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'moisture is extracted from the air') or relative clauses to combine ideas more fluidly. The current control of grammar is sufficient for communication but lacks the variety required for higher bands.

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

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