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 illustrations shows various stages invloved in the formation of rain-shadow deserts.

Overall, the stages can be mainly divided into three parts. First, the wind above the sea approaches the mountain coast. Then wind flows upwards unitll it rains around the top of the mountain. After it rains, the dry air continues to fall downwards until rain-shadow desert is formed in land which is thousands of kilometers away from the sea.

Firstly, the wind approaches the coast. When it hits the mountain, the wind travells upwards. At the windward side, humid air rises and eventually cools to form the clouds. The clouds are pushed upwards and it finally rains at the top of the mountain.

In leeward side of the mountain, air gets dry after rainfall and it goes down the mountain and continue until it reaches the land which is very far from the sea to form 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: moisture-laden air rising, precipitation, and the subsequent descent of dry air. The overview is clear, and the progression from the sea to the inland desert is logical. However, the response is quite brief and could be improved by adding more detail regarding the specific conditions at each stage, such as the temperature changes or the specific terminology for the windward and leeward sides. While the main features are reported, the analysis is somewhat descriptive rather than analytical, which limits the depth of the response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, moving from an overview to the specific stages of the process. The use of sequencing words like 'First', 'Then', 'Firstly', and 'In leeward side' helps guide the reader through the stages. However, some transitions are a bit mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the phrase 'In leeward side' is missing an article ('On the leeward side'), and the connection between the paragraphs could be more sophisticated to improve the flow of information. Overall, the information is arranged coherently, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with terms like 'humid air', 'precipitation' (implied), 'windward', and 'leeward' being used correctly. However, there are some minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'invloved' (involved), 'unitll' (until), and 'travells' (travels). The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the sophistication or precision that would be expected at a higher band level. To improve, you should focus on using more precise scientific terminology and ensuring accurate spelling throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'The illustrations shows' (subject-verb agreement), 'in land' (inland), and 'continue until it reaches' (tense inconsistency). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the sentence structure could be more varied to demonstrate greater control. The errors present do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent verb tenses would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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