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 outlines the stages and process involved in the emergence of a rain shadow desert.

Overall, the formation consists of seven stages, starting from the winds moving across the sea towards the mountain coast ending at the development of a dry wind reaching the inland areas.

Firstly, the wind that travels across the sea, approaches the coast and then moves upward due to the inclined position at the side of the mountain. Secondly, the moisture in the air cools the wind and helps to transform into the clouds. At a certain height, usually on top of a mountain these clouds tend to fall in the shape of rainwater.

As the clouds fall, they are again been converted to air by a process called condensation. But this type of air is dry, which continues to fall from the leeward side of the mountain and at last reaches inland areas resulting in the formation of a rain shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The student successfully covers all key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process depicted in the diagram, from the initial winds approaching the coast to the final dry winds reaching inland areas. An overview is provided in the second sentence, outlining the seven-stage process. However, there are minor factual misinterpretations in the middle of the response; for instance, stating that moist air transforms into clouds and then 'fall[s] in the shape of rainwater' before being 'converted to air by a process called condensation' misrepresents the physical process of precipitation and evaporation. Despite these minor scientific inaccuracies regarding the diagram's labels, the main features are selected and reported adequately, satisfying the requirements for a Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The text exhibits a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction, an overview sentence, and a chronological progression using sequencing devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'At a certain height'. Paragraphing is used, though the body of the text is somewhat condensed into a single large paragraph following the introduction. Cohesive devices are generally handled well, but referencing is occasionally unclear or slightly mechanical, such as 'this type of air is dry, which continues to fall'. Overall, the progression of ideas is easy to follow, making Band 6.0 an appropriate descriptor for this criterion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, attempting less common terms such as 'emergence', 'condensation', and 'precipitation' (though used as rainwater). There are some inappropriate word choices and minor inaccuracies, such as 'due to the inclined position at the side of the mountain' instead of a windward slope, and 'converted to air', which slightly impedes precision. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, but the lexical range remains somewhat limited and repetitive, aligning well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over multi-clause structures (e.g., 'As the clouds fall, they are again been converted to air...'). However, grammatical errors occur throughout, such as passive voice errors ('are again been converted') and missing articles ('on top of mountain'). While these errors are noticeable, they do not severely impede communication, as the general meaning remains clear. The grammatical range and accuracy fit comfortably within the Band 6.0 category.

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.