Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-23
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 formation of one type of desert which is known as rain-shadow desert. There are 7 stages of rain-shadow deserts. Overall, the air from the sea rises over the windward side of a mountain, where it cools and produces rain. The remaining dry air moves downward the leeward side and reaches inland areas, creating a rain-shadow deserts. In the first step the winds approach the coast from the sea. Then, winds are pushed upwards by the mountains. The moist air rises and cools. After that, rain falls on the windward side. Furthermore, dry air continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. Finally, dry winds reach inland areas as a formation of a rain-shadow desert.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0
The student successfully identifies the main features of the diagram, detailing the stages from the moist air rising over the windward side of the mountain to the creation of a rain-shadow desert on the leeward side. An adequate overview is provided. However, the response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, coming in at 118 words. This under-length impacts the depth of the response and prevents it from achieving a higher band score. Nonetheless, all key parts of the process are mentioned, ensuring a fair coverage of the visual data.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The text demonstrates a clear logical progression, following the sequential steps of the diagram accurately. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In the first step', 'Then', 'After that', and 'Finally' are used to guide the reader through the process. However, the paragraphing is underdeveloped; the entire response is presented in a single, block paragraph, which lacks appropriate structural division between the introduction, body overview, and sequential steps. Reference words are handled adequately, but the lack of paragraphing holds the score down.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a natural geographical process, incorporating terms such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moist air', and 'rain-shadow desert'. There are a few lexical inaccuracies, such as 'moves downward the leeward side' (instead of 'down the leeward side') and pluralisation issues like 'creating a rain-shadow deserts'. Despite these minor errors, the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main concepts clearly without impeding the reader's understanding.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'Overall, the air from the sea rises over the windward side of a mountain, where it cools and produces rain.' Grammatical accuracy is generally good, with the majority of simple sentences error-free. However, there are some minor mechanical and prepositional errors, such as 'moves downward the leeward side' and 'as a formation of a rain-shadow desert' (which is awkward phrasing). Complex structures are attempted with reasonable control, but overall variety remains somewhat limited.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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