Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28

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 gives information about the process of making of rain shadow desert type.

Overall, the process comprised of seven steps; as winds approach coast, it is pushed upwards on mountains and then it passes through various steps and subsequently dry winds reaches the inland by travelling thousands of kilometres and rain shadow desert 's formation is completed.

The first step is in which winds approaches coast of sea and then it is pushed upward onto the mountains in second step of process. After that, moist air rises and cools down and ultimately forming clouds on windward side of mountain in fourth step.

Moreover, the clouds shower rain on top of mountain and in sixth step, dry air continues over mountains by passing leeward side of mountain. Consequently. dry air reaches inland areas where rain shadow desert is formed by travel of wind by thousands of kilometres from sea cost to inland.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response covers all key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation diagram, from the winds approaching the coast to the dry winds reaching the inland areas. The overview correctly identifies the seven-step process and captures the main spatial and sequential features. However, some descriptions are slightly imprecise or repetitive, such as stating 'rain shadow desert's formation is completed' multiple times. While the main features are selected and reported, the development of individual steps could be slightly more analytical. Overall, the task is adequately addressed in line with Band 6 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay has a coherent overall arrangement and follows a logical chronological progression matching the diagram's sequence. Paragraphing is utilised to separate the introduction, overview, and body details. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'After that', 'Moreover', and 'Consequently' are employed to guide the reader through the process, though referencing is sometimes mechanical ('in first step', 'in second step'). There is a punctuation error ('Consequently. dry air') that disrupts cohesion slightly. Overall organisation is clear, fitting the requirements for Band 6.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully incorporating process-specific terms such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'dry winds'. However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation errors, such as 'process of making of rain shadow desert type' instead of 'formation', and 'sea cost' instead of 'coast'. Repetition of phrases like 'rain shadow desert' limits lexical range. These errors do not impede communication, placing the response firmly at Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as conditional or participial clauses ('as winds approach coast, it is pushed upwards...'). However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with subject-verb agreement ('winds approach coast, it is pushed', 'dry winds reaches', 'wind by travelling') and missing articles ('coast of sea'). Punctuation is also flawed, with a full stop used instead of a comma before 'Consequently.'. These errors occasionally cause difficulty, but meaning remains largely clear, consistent with Band 5.5 to 6.0 descriptors.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.