Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-15

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 depicts the establishment of a type of desert known as a rain-shadow desert.

Overall,the diagram comprises of the seven steps from sea to inland which is covered in thousand of kilometres.The preliminary step is approach of wind to the cost whereas the concluding stage is when the dry wind reaches the inland area.

As in the beginning of the cycle the winds approach coast above the sea leading to the second step where winds are push upward to the mountains.Yet for the foramtion of clouds, the moist air rises and cools at the windward side in the third step.

However, after the clouds formation in the fourth step the rainfall takes place at the top of mountain.Meanwhile, dry air continues over the leeward side of the mountain.In the final step the dry winds reach the inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student successfully identifies the main stages of rain-shadow desert formation, progressing sequentially from the sea and coast through the mountainous region to the inland area. The overview attempts to capture the key features, noting the seven steps and the geographical span. However, the response falls short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 139 words, which results in a penalty under Task Achievement. Additionally, some details lack complete elaboration, and the description skips slightly over the progression in the final paragraphs. Nevertheless, all primary components of the diagram are addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The text is organized into four paragraphs, following a logical chronological and spatial progression from left to right across the diagram. Basic cohesive devices and transition signals are used, such as 'Overall,' 'As in the beginning,' 'However,' and 'In the final step.' However, punctuation errors (such as missing spaces after commas, e.g., 'Overall,the') and mechanical phrasing slightly detract from the flow. Paragraphing is adequate, but the grouping of sentences could be smoother to achieve higher bands.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, incorporating topic-specific terms like 'rain-shadow desert,' 'windward side,' 'leeward side,' and 'inland areas.' However, there are noticeable word-form and spelling errors, such as 'comprises of' (should be 'comprises'), 'cost' instead of 'coast,' 'push' instead of 'pushed,' and 'foramtion' instead of 'formation.' These inaccuracies and the somewhat repetitive phrasing restrict the lexical score to a Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'while the concluding stage is when the dry wind reaches the inland area.' However, grammatical errors are frequent throughout the text, including tense and preposition slips, missing articles ('to the cost', 'at top of mountain'), and incorrect passive constructions ('winds are push upward'). These errors occasionally create minor comprehension hurdles for the reader, though the overall meaning remains accessible.

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

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