Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-19

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 process diagram illustrates, how the wind and rain results in the formation of the rain-shadows dessert.

Overall, the water flows from the sea towards the mountains in form of clouds, which then reaches the bottom which helps in the creation of the rain-shadow desert.

Initially, wind flows from the sea level, as it reaches the mountain it is shifted upward, the moist air cools due to low temperature which result in formation of the clouds at the windward side of mountain. After that the clouds would start to rain at the top of the mountain.

Furthermore, the rainwater moves downward which lead to dry air. The air than goes below the leeward section of the mountain. Finally, the dry air arrives at the inland areas. The dry air travels beneath the surface which causes the formation of the rain-shadow desert. This process takes times as the air and water droplets move thousands of kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, moving from winds approaching the coast to dry air reaching inland areas. However, there are some inaccuracies in describing the process, such as stating that 'water flows from the sea towards the mountains in form of clouds' and claiming that 'rainwater moves downward which lead to dry air'. The overview provided in the second paragraph is slightly confused regarding the mechanics of the process. Nevertheless, the key stages of the diagram are generally identified, placing this response at Band 5.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The text is organized into logical paragraphs, separating the introduction, overview, initial stages, and final stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After that', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' are used to sequence the information chronologically. However, referencing is sometimes unclear, and logical progression is occasionally hindered by imprecise descriptions, such as the sudden transition regarding rainwater moving downward. Paragraphing is present, but overall cohesion is somewhat mechanical, fitting the Band 6 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with appropriate process-related terms such as 'moist air', 'temperature', 'clouds', and 'inland areas'. However, there are notable spelling errors, such as 'dessert' instead of 'desert', and awkward word choices like 'takes times'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with limited success and some lack of precision, which keeps the score at Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as subordinate clauses ('as it reaches the mountain'). However, there are frequent grammatical errors, including comma splices ('The process diagram illustrates, how...'), subject-verb agreement issues ('wind and rain results', 'temperature which result'), and tense inconsistencies. These errors occasionally cause strain for the reader, aligning with Band 5.0.

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

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