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)

This diagram illustrates the cycle of rain shadow deserts are formed through as a result of winds passing over a mountain range.

overall, The process consist of seven stages beginning with wind approach coast and ending with the dry winds reach inland areas and creating a rain shadow desert. The key feature the windward side of the mountain receive rainfall, whereas the leeward side remain dry.

initially, winds approach coast from the sea then winds pushed upwards following this to the moist air rises and cools and formed into clouds form near the windward side of mountains once this has been completed, clouds transformed into rain falls.

subsequently, dry air continues over mountain across the leeward side . Finally, dry winds reach inland areas, where very little precipitation occurs, resulting in the formation of a rain shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response provides a clear overview of the process and identifies the main features, such as the contrast between the windward and leeward sides. However, the response is 12 words under the 150-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the score. While the key stages are identified, the development is somewhat brief, and the lack of sufficient length prevents a more thorough exploration of the process. To improve, ensure you expand on the descriptions of each stage to meet the word count and provide a more comprehensive summary of the information presented in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. There is an attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'initially', 'subsequently', and 'finally'. However, the flow is occasionally disrupted by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. For example, the sentence 'once this has been completed, clouds transformed into rain falls' lacks smooth connectivity. The use of referencing is sometimes unclear, and the overall progression could be more fluid. Improving the variety and accuracy of linking words will help achieve a higher band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, using terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'precipitation', and 'mountain range'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and grammatical errors in collocation, such as 'winds approach coast' (missing article) and 'clouds transformed into rain falls' (incorrect noun usage). The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. To improve, focus on using more precise academic collocations and ensure that nouns and verbs are used accurately in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('The process consist'), missing articles ('approach coast'), and awkward sentence construction ('This diagram illustrates the cycle of rain shadow deserts are formed through'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, with some sentences lacking proper structure. To reach a higher band, you need to demonstrate better control over complex sentence forms and reduce the frequency of basic grammatical errors.

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

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