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 a rain-shadow desert. There are seven 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 down the leeward side and reaches inland areas, creating a rain-shadow desert. 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

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The student successfully identifies the main features of the diagram, outlining the formation of a rain-shadow desert from the sea across the mountain to inland areas. A clear overview is provided, capturing the core mechanism of moisture cooling on the windward side and dry air descending on the leeward side. Most of the seven sequential stages are accurately reported. However, the response falls significantly short of the word count requirement, containing only 119 words compared to the minimum of 150 words. This under-length impacts the overall development and completeness of the task, preventing the score from reaching higher bands.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The text demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with clear logical progression following the steps of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'In the first step', 'Then', 'After that', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' are used to sequence the stages chronologically. However, paragraphing is underdeveloped; the entire response is presented in a single block of text rather than being organized into logical paragraphs (such as an introduction/overview paragraph followed by a body paragraph detailing the steps). Referencing is generally clear, but the lack of proper paragraphing limits the cohesion score.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms from the diagram such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moist air', 'dry winds', and 'inland areas'. However, the lexical range is rather limited and repetitive, with frequent reuse of words like 'winds', 'air', and 'desert'. There are attempts at less common vocabulary, but word choices are generally standard and basic. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, and communication is never impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response features a satisfactory mix of simple and complex sentence structures, 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 quite high; the majority of sentences are error-free, and control over simple structures and tense consistency (present simple for processes) is well-maintained. While the range of complex structures is somewhat limited due to the short length of the text, the grammatical errors are virtually non-existent.

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

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