Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-13

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 process of how one type of desert known as rain shadow desert is formed. Starting from the wind from the sea to dry air reaching the inland areas

Overall, to form the rain shadow dessert there are several step by step procedure which begins with the winds from the sea approachng coast and pushed upwards then the temperature rises after which clouds are formed and rain fall happens on the windward side. Moving on the leeward the dry air continues over the mountain and finally dry wind reaches the inland areas.

To begin with, on the windward side the wind from the sea approaches coast where the air moves upward and the temperature increases and cools. Next, the clouds are then formed followed by the rainfall. Furthermore, the dry air continues over the mountain on the leeward side and moves downwards reaching the inland areas. Addtionally, forming the rain shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully covers the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation diagram, tracing the process from the sea winds to the inland areas. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, outlining the step-by-step procedure of cloud formation, rainfall on the windward side, and dry air progression on the leeward side. Key stages such as temperature changes and geographic sides (windward and leeward) are correctly identified and contrasted. However, the introduction sentence is slightly fragmented ('Starting from the wind from the sea to dry air reaching the inland areas'), and some minor details are slightly repetitive across paragraphs. Nevertheless, all parts of the visual information are appropriately selected and reported, meeting the expectations for a Band 6.5 to 7.0 range.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response exhibits a logical overall arrangement, moving methodically through the stages of the diagram. The student attempts to structure the text using paragraphing and cohesive phrases such as 'Overall', 'To begin with', 'Next', 'Furthermore', and 'Additionally'. However, there are issues with mechanical cohesion and referencing. For instance, the transition 'Moving on the leeward the dry air continues' lacks a preposition ('leeward side'), and the final sentence ('Addtionally, forming the rain shadow desert.') is a sentence fragment that breaks grammatical cohesion. Paragraphing is present, but the introduction is awkwardly split into a standalone fragment. Progression is visible, but the flow is occasionally interrupted by clumsy linking.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a scientific process, incorporating specific geographical terms like 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'rain shadow desert', and 'inland areas'. Less common items are attempted, but there are notable word-choice and spelling inaccuracies, such as 'dessert' instead of 'desert', 'approachng' (misspelling of approaching), and 'Addtionally'. Phrasing can also be awkward, such as 'step by step procedure'. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the main points clearly, these lexical errors and occasional imprecise collocations prevent the score from reaching a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, though complex structures are frequently marred by structural errors. Examples include sentence fragments ('Starting from the wind from the sea to dry air reaching the inland areas') and disconnected clauses ('...where the air moves upward and the temperature increases and cools'). Punctuation is inconsistently applied, with missing commas in compound clauses. While simple sentences are generally accurate and communication is not severely impeded, grammatical control is inconsistent, placing this response firmly in the Band 6 category.

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

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