Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-17
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 given diagram discusses the way one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed. It is consisted of seven stages. And there are some natural components as sea, coast, mountains, inland, and the desert. Furthermore clear images have been given to get a proper idea.
According to the picture, the first step is approaching winds to the coast and it has been indicated using the arrows. In the second step, winds are pushed upwards, making the third step " Moist air rise and cools". At the windward side of the mountain, clouds are formed and it is given in the fourth image. Following that, a clipart of raining is given to represent the fifth step, raining. Sixth stage of the procedure is the continuation of dry air over mountain. The final phase is "Dry winds reach inland areas"
In comparison, air in Windward side is moist and cool, whereas air in Leewrd side of the hill is dry. There are thousands of kilometers in between the coast and the inland.
To conclude, this image discusses the way of forming a rain-shadow desert.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student covers all parts of the task well by outlining the seven stages of rain-shadow desert formation and highlighting key geographical features like the sea, coast, mountains, and inland areas. An overview of the differences between the windward and leeward sides is also provided, satisfying the requirement to make comparisons. While the description relies heavily on referencing the steps sequentially rather than synthesizing the information into a more fluid academic report, all main features of the diagram are reported accurately. There are no major omissions, and the information is well-grounded in the provided visual data, earning a solid Band 6.5.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response has a clear overall arrangement with a logical progression from the initial winds near the coast to the final inland desert stage. Paragraphing is used, separating the introduction, body steps, comparative details, and conclusion. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical and slightly disjointed, seen in short, abrupt sentences like 'And there are some natural components...' and the overly simplistic transitions between steps ('Following that, a clipart of raining is given...'). Referencing is mostly clear, but the organization within the body paragraphs lacks seamless flow. These characteristics align comfortably with the Band 6 descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully employing topic-specific terms such as 'natural components', 'windward side', 'inland areas', and 'moist air'. However, there are notable word choice and collocation inaccuracies, such as 'It is consisted of seven stages' (passive voice error) and referring to diagram icons as 'a clipart of raining'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with limited flexibility, and spelling/word choice errors occasionally surface, though they do not impede communication. This performance fits the Band 6 criteria.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses ('known as a rain-shadow desert') and comparative structures ('in comparison, air in Windward side is moist and cool, whereas...'). However, grammatical errors are frequent enough to detract from precision. Examples include 'It is consisted of' (incorrect passive), 'approaching winds to the coast' (awkward prepositional phrase), and missing articles ('air in Windward side', 'Leewrd side', spelling error 'Leewrd'). While these errors rarely completely impede communication, they restrict the grammar score to Band 5.5 due to a lack of consistent control over complex structures.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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