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 depicts the information about the formation of rain-shadow deserts in which several stages are included from where rain is formed.

In general, it is clearly seen that the wind is approaching to the coast from the sea and later on pushed into an 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 falls 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 the winds become dry and reaches to inland area.

In conclusion, the diagram represents the data of diverse steps from the sea to the inland area, with thousands of kilometer 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 reaches to the inland area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student successfully identifies the main purpose of the diagram, which illustrates the formation of a rain-shadow desert. Key stages such as moist air rising, cloud formation, precipitation, and dry air descending on the leeward side are mentioned. An overview is attempted in the second paragraph, though it lacks a clear synthesis of the overall spatial and climatic progression from sea to inland. Furthermore, some descriptions are slightly imprecise or repetitive, such as 'thousands of kilometer distance is shown in the weight of the mountain'. Overall, all parts of the task are addressed, earning a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The response is organized into three paragraphs: an introduction, a body paragraph detailing the process, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used to link the steps of the process, such as 'In general', 'Meanwhile', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore'. However, referencing and transitions are at times mechanical or slightly awkward, such as 'when after the rain air started to became dry and turns to the downward of the mountain'. Paragraphing is appropriate for an overview task, maintaining an overall coherent structure, which aligns well with a Band 6.0 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range to describe a process diagram, using terms like 'approach', 'moist air', 'precipitation' (implied via rain), and 'inland area'. However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation errors, such as 'clouds form while crossing the windward side' and 'the weight of the mountain' instead of width or scale. Less common vocabulary is attempted but often inaccurate. Spelling is generally acceptable, but lexical control is limited, placing this response at a Band 5.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as relative and subordinate clauses ('in which several stages are included', 'when the formation of clouds happens'). However, grammatical errors are frequent throughout the text, including tense inconsistencies ('air started to became dry') and prepositions ('pushed into an upward direction', 'reaches to inland area'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they hinder fluent readability and limit the grammatical control to a Band 5.5.

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