Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-11

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 the formation of the rain-shadows deserts.

Generally, the whole process depicts two sides of the mountain known as a windward side that carried out mostly the formation of water to the leeward side which is dry side of the mountain and where the rain-shadow desert found.

The windward side of the mountain demonstrates the whole process on how the water was being carried and pushed through the upward side of the mountain. The initial process states the wind approach the coast and then pushed the moist air from the sea upward where it rises and cools and being condensed to form up a cloud which therefore created the abundant rainwater on the windward side.

The leeward side on the other hand received a dried air which flows down the mountain side and therefore results in a dry wind to the inland area, and it is therefore creates the formation of the rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the diagram, specifically the contrast between the windward and leeward sides. You clearly explain the process of air rising, cooling, and condensing on the windward side, and the subsequent dry conditions on the leeward side. However, the response could be improved by including more specific details from the diagram, such as the mention of the ocean or the specific altitude changes, to provide a more comprehensive summary. The overview is present but could be more clearly distinguished from the body paragraphs to better highlight the main trends.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction and two body paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. You use some cohesive devices such as 'on the other hand' and 'therefore' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'carried out mostly the formation of water'. Improving the flow between sentences would help the text feel more cohesive and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'condensed', and 'inland'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'carried out mostly the formation of water' and 'pushed through the upward side'. These errors do not prevent understanding, but they do limit the precision of your description. To reach a higher band, focus on using more natural collocations and precise scientific terminology related to weather processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and article usage (e.g., 'the rain-shadows deserts', 'the wind approach', 'it is therefore creates'). These errors are noticeable but do not impede communication. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and ensure that your verb tenses remain consistent throughout the description of a continuous process.

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

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