Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22
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 information about the formation of rain-shadow deserts in which several stages are included from where rain is formed.
Overall, the diagram represents the data of diverse steps from sea to the inland area, with thousands of kilometers distance is shown in the weight of the mountain. In this process wind approaches from sea and ends in the form of dry winds and reach to the inland area.
In general, it is clearly seen that the wind is approaching to the coast from the sea and later on pushed into upward direction, where moist air rises and converts into cold air. Meanwhile, the air gets cold and turns into clouds form while crossing the windward side of the mountain, when the formation of clouds happens then rain fell from these clouds.
In addition, when after the rain air started to became dry and turns to the downward of the mountain while crossing the leeward side. Furthermore, after going through the process winds became dry and reaches inland area.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, covering the transition from the sea and coast, across the windward side of the mountain where clouds and rain form, to the leeward side and inland area. An overview is attempted in the second paragraph, mentioning the sequence from sea to inland. However, some aspects of the explanation are slightly confused or imprecise, such as mentioning distance 'in the weight of the mountain'. The information presented is generally grounded in the visual data, but the development of the overview and highlighting of key features could be more precise to reach a higher band. Overall, all parts of the task are addressed adequately, fitting the criteria for a Band 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The response is arranged into logical paragraphs, starting with an introduction and overview, followed by body paragraphs detailing the steps of the process. Cohesive devices are used to connect ideas, such as 'Overall', 'In general', 'Meanwhile', and 'In addition'. However, referencing and transitions are sometimes mechanical or awkward, as seen in phrases like 'when after the rain air started to became dry'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to structure the text, but the flow between sentences occasionally feels disjointed. This level of cohesion aligns well with a Band 6.0 descriptor.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a geographical process, including terms like 'formation', 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'inland area'. However, there are noticeable vocabulary and collocation errors, such as 'rain fell from these clouds' (using 'fell' instead of 'falls' or awkward phrasing in context) and 'distance is shown in the weight of the mountain'. Word choice is sometimes imprecise or strained. While communication is not impeded, the frequent inaccuracies prevent the score from rising above Band 5.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over clause structures (e.g., 'The diagram illustrates the information about the formation of rain-shadow deserts in which several stages are included...'). However, there are frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasings throughout, such as 'winds ... reach to the inland area', 'air gets cold and turns into clouds form', and 'air started to became dry'. Punctuation and verb tense consistency also show weaknesses. Because errors occur frequently and cause some distraction for the reader without completely obscuring meaning, a Band 5.5 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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