Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-10

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 natural process diagram shows the procedures for the formation of rain-shadow desert. The orographic desert formed from the conversion of wet winds to dry winds through the different phases.

In overall, the moistured winds of the sea turned into the dry winds through various processes and then the rain-shadow desert formed.

Initially, the wet winds of the sea approached the coastal area and then it pushed across upward which then the moist winds rise and gets cooled. After getting cooled, it turns into the clouds and after reaching at the top, it starts to rain.

Now going towards the leeward side, after the rain falls, the dried air continues from over the mountain which the reached inland areas. Now reaching at the sea level far away from thousands of kilometres from the sea, the leeward desert formed.

In stark contrast, the wet winds coming out of the sea travelled towards the mountains forming clouds and converted into non-moisture winds, started to decline in the lower landand formed a leeward desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the moist air approaching the mountain to the formation of the desert on the leeward side. However, the description is somewhat repetitive, particularly in the final paragraph, which restates information already provided. While the main features are identified, the explanation lacks precision in describing the physical mechanisms (e.g., 'pushed across upward' is vague). To reach a higher band, the response should provide a more concise and analytical summary of the stages without redundant restatements, ensuring that the relationship between altitude, temperature, and precipitation is clearly articulated as shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into logical paragraphs, moving from an introduction to the process stages. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. For instance, 'Now going towards the leeward side' and 'Now reaching at the sea level' feel repetitive and slightly unnatural. While cohesive devices are present, they are used in a somewhat formulaic manner. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the lack of sophisticated linking between the stages of the process prevents a higher score. Improving the variety of cohesive devices would enhance the overall readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. There are several instances of awkward word choices, such as 'moistured winds' (should be 'moist winds') and 'non-moisture winds' (should be 'dry air'). The phrase 'thousands of kilometres from the sea' is also likely an overstatement not supported by the diagram. While the student attempts to use topic-specific terminology like 'orographic', 'leeward', and 'coastal', the overall range is limited, and some collocations are inaccurate. Expanding the range of descriptive verbs and adjectives would improve the quality of the report.

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 the flow. Examples include 'the orographic desert formed' (missing auxiliary verb), 'it pushed across upward' (awkward syntax), and 'the reached inland areas' (incorrect usage). There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases, such as 'at the top' and 'at the sea level'. While the meaning remains generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from being considered error-free. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct sentence construction is essential.

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

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